Infrastructure

The removal of key segments of limited-access expressways along the Upper Niagara River and the Niagara Gorge rim, comprising underutilized portions of the Niagara Scenic (formerly Robert Moses) Parkway (the “Parkway”), represents one of the largest and most transformative projects Niagara Falls has seen in decades.  These efforts—while preserving reasonable vehicular access—have greatly enhanced the resident and visitor experience by increasing access to and better uniting all water features (Niagara Falls, river and gorge) with adjoining neighborhoods to create a single destination.  It has also bolstered sustainability by reducing unnecessary pavement and expanding green space to facilitate a host of outdoor recreation activities, which in turn is attracting appropriate private development and revitalization in adjoining City of Niagara Falls neighborhoods.

Aerial image of the “Riverway” project of the the Upper Niagara River
The “Riverway” project, before

Riverway

The “Riverway” project, completed in late 2016, is located along a one-mile stretch of the Upper Niagara River, through which the last mile of the southern segment of the Parkway—an elevated expressway—once passed and terminated in Niagara Falls State Park.  Along the Riverway segment, which is mostly within the State Park, all expressway features have now been removed and replaced with a pedestrian-friendly low-speed park road (the Riverway), along with trails and park space that evoke the characteristics of Frederick Law Olmsted's original design for the Riverway that historically passed through this area.  As part of the project, an elevated interchange at John B. Daly Boulevard has been removed at the entrance to the State Park—along with the earthen berm on which it sat—and replaced with a modern roundabout and a signature entry feature. Other enhancements include a full path system and nature areas, as well as a new water feature evoking the former Port Day Pond, a favorite local fishing and gathering spot for residents until it was filled in 1960 to make way for the Parkway. 

Aerial image of the “Riverway” project of the the Upper Niagara River
The “Riverway” project, after

All of these changes are aimed at allowing easier access to the Niagara River and the American Rapids – where for generations residents and visitors have had to cross four lanes of concrete expressway to access the water’s edge.  Now there will be native plantings and a complete trail network to facilitate hiking, biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, all accessible from city streets for the first time in more than 50 years.  The adjoining Buffalo Avenue Heritage District has enjoyed the benefits of this new access, realizing two new mixed-use hotel projects, a major expansion of an existing hotel, and another mixed-use project in construction, involving a new hotel and new infill residential/guest house structures along Buffalo Avenue.

ESD committed $11.5 million towards this more than $25 million project through the Governor’s Buffalo Billion initiative, with the balance of the funding coming from the NYS Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation (NYS Parks), and the New York Power Authority (NYPA).

Read more about the Riverway project here.

Aerial image of the “Riverway” project of the the Upper Niagara River
Parkway Removal Project, before

Niagara Gorge Corridor

Parkway Removal Project: Main Street to Findlay Drive

Talked about since the early 1990s, New York State also completed a historic transformation on the northern section of the Parkway on the Niagara Gorge rim in late 2020, involving removal of an underutilized two-mile segment of expressway from Main Street to Findlay Drive replacement with open space, scenic overlooks and recreational trails to make the Gorge more accessible. It also included a full reconstruction of Whirlpool Street and a portion of Third Street, which had run immediately next to the Parkway, as a two-lane “complete street” with on-street parking and traffic calming measures, to provide north-south access to this portion of the corridor. 

This nearly $50 million project marks the largest expansion of green space since the Niagara Reservation was designed in 1885.  It has realized an approximately 140-acre unbroken green ribbon of open space along the Gorge rim, linking three State Parks and creating full accessibility to adjoining city neighborhoods all enabling outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing.  The project was funded largely by NYPA with contributions from NYS Parks.  USA Niagara Development Corporation (USA Niagara) led all preliminary design, environmental review, and final design in partnership with NYS Parks, NYPA, NYSDOT, and the City of Niagara Falls, while NYSDOT contracted for and administered the actual construction.

In addition, NYS Parks and NYPA recently approved Niagara River Greenway funding to begin preliminary design and environmental review for a subsequent segment of Parkway removal on the Niagara Gorge rim, extending north from Findlay Drive to Center Street in Lewiston.  USA Niagara will again assist NYS Parks in leading this effort, expected to start in late 2022.

Aerial image of the “Riverway” project of the the Upper Niagara River
Parkway Removal Project, after

This nearly $50 million project marks the largest expansion of green space since the Niagara Reservation was designed in 1885.  It has realized an approximately 140-acre unbroken green ribbon of open space along the Gorge rim, linking three State Parks and creating full accessibility to adjoining city neighborhoods all enabling outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing.  The project was funded largely by NYPA with contributions from NYS Parks.  USA Niagara Development Corporation (USA Niagara) led all preliminary design, environmental review, and final design in partnership with NYS Parks, NYPA, NYSDOT, and the City of Niagara Falls, while NYSDOT contracted for and administered the actual construction.

In addition, NYS Parks and NYPA recently approved Niagara River Greenway funding to begin preliminary design and environmental review for a subsequent segment of Parkway removal on the Niagara Gorge rim, extending north from Findlay Drive to Center Street in Lewiston.  USA Niagara will again assist NYS Parks in leading this effort, expected to start in late 2022.