Construction To Begin On Sherwood Greenway Trail

New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Acting Regional Director Darrell Kaminski was joined by federal, state and local officials to break ground on a project to construct the Sherwood Greenway Trail and make highway improvements to NY Route 324 (Sheridan Drive) and NY Route 325 (Sheridan Drive Extension) in the town of Tonawanda, Erie County.

“The State Department of Transportation is proud to partner with elected officials, community and business leaders to continue, under the leadership of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Commissioner Joan McDonald, to improve our transportation infrastructure,” said Acting Regional Director Darrell Kaminski.  “The Sherwood Greenway project is a wonderful example of teamwork between New York State, Erie County, Town of Tonawanda and Praxair to construct a multi-use trail that will benefit the community for decades to come.” 

The centerpiece of the $3.8 million highway improvement project is the construction of the new Sherwood Greenway Trail.  The two-mile, multi-use trail will connect the Two Mile Creek Trail in Sheridan Park with the Buffalo Riverwalk, bridging a gap in the Town of Tonawanda’s trail system and connecting several neighborhoods to the Niagara River waterfront.  This project is a key component of the Town of Tonawanda’s community development strategy to improve accessibility and the enjoyment of the waterfront areas in Tonawanda.

The project will also resurface Sheridan Drive between Delaware Avenue and the Sheridan Drive Extension, and resurface the Sheridan Drive Extension between River Road and Sheridan Drive.  This work will include pedestrian safety upgrades at several intersections, including construction of new curbs and sidewalks, replacement of traffic signal detection, and repair of drainage inlets.  A bridge pier protection wall will be constructed on the Sheridan Drive Extension beneath Interstate 190.   These improvements will enhance the streetscape and safety along these two highways, which serve as western gateways to the Town of Tonawanda.

“Infrastructure investments, like this one, have a lasting impact on communities,” said Congressman Brian Higgins.  “In addition to needed roadwork that provides a more suitable and

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welcoming foundation for local neighborhoods and businesses, the creation of the Sherwood Greenway Trail provides new and improved access to the waterfront.”

 NYS Senator Mark Grisanti said, “I applaud all the partners involved in this effort to better serve the residents of Tonawanda and Western New York.  It will also be great to see the construction jobs that come with these projects.  These improvements will not only improve the safety of the roads, but will also ensure that the residents of Tonawanda gain access to the waterfront.”

“This project has been a long time in the making and I am very pleased to be a part of this ground breaking event,” said Assemblyman Robin Schimminger. “Upgrades to pedestrian signals and crosswalks will make the Town of Tonawanda’s trail systems more harmonious, accessible and safer for residents of this community and surrounding areas as they take advantage of our Niagara River waterfront.  I look forward to the completion of the new Sherwood Greenway Trail not only for the beautification enhancements it will provide, but for the healthy living benefits it will offer to our residents.”

“When completed, the Sherwood Greenway Trail will provide the ‘missing link’ in Tonawanda’s trail system that will finally connect the Shoreline Trail to Sheridan Park, bringing greatly enhanced waterfront access to interior residential neighborhoods, businesses, and park users,” said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz.  “I mentioned this project in my ‘Initiatives for a Smart Economy’ address as being one that embraced the principles of smart growth that will help our region succeed, bringing greater walkability and multiple modes of transportation for residents using the new trail. Through cooperation with our partners in government and the NYSDOT, better waterfront access and an improved, completed trail system will now be here for all to enjoy.”

“I’m pleased that my partners in government could come together to break ground for this cooperative project,” said Erie County Legislator Lynn Marinelli.  “As a longtime advocate for this project, I’m happy that I can go back to my constituents who have been asking for this for years and tell them that progress is being made.  This will certainly add to the quality of life for this community and groups from the area will now be able to use this trail for big racing events, such as the Ride for Roswell. As an avid cyclist myself, I can’t wait to ride the completed trail.”

Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Anthony Caruana said, “This new trail link represents a huge milestone in the town’s vision of multi-modal diversity and connectivity to our evolving waterfront and it will continue to enhance the quality of life for our residents as well.”

The construction contract was awarded this month to Concrete Applied Technologies (CATCO) of Alden, Erie County.  Construction on the project is expected to begin immediately and scheduled to be completed in fall of 2014.