State Department of Transportation Announces Start of $5.5 Million Project to Enhance Safety on South Transit Street in the City of Lockport

State Department of Transportation Announces Start of $5.5 Million Project to Enhance Safety on South Transit Street in the City of Lockport

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced the start of a $5.5 million project to enhance safety and improve travel along South Transit Street (State Route 78) in the City of Lockport, Niagara County. The project will create a new lane configuration and add dedicated bike lanes, sidewalks and other improvements to calm traffic and provide improved accommodation for cyclists and pedestrians along this busy roadway. The road, which serves as one of Lockport's central commercial corridors and is also a key connector to the City of Buffalo and other Erie County destinations to the south, will also be resurfaced and re-striped to provide smoother rides and boost quality of life for area residents.

"Thanks to the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, DOT is executing projects all across New York State to improve connectivity, create safer conditions for travelers and make everyday life easier and more affordable for all New Yorkers," Commissioner Dominguez said. "This project will revitalize one of the busiest corridors in the City of Lockport, making it more walkable and bikeable and making it safer for all travelers."

South Transit Street is one of the City of Lockport's primary commercial corridors and is lined with hotels, restaurants and a variety of stores. It also has significant residential areas as well. The corridor carries approximately 17,000 to 28,000 vehicles a day. To calm traffic, the road will be reconfigured from just north of Summit Street to Walnut Street, with the existing four-lane configuration reduced to one travel lane in each direction plus a continuous two-way left-turn lane in the center. Dedicated bike lanes will also be added in both directions.

Additionally, a small portion of Walnut Street (State Route 31) between South Transit Street and just east of Cottage Street will also be reduced from four lanes of traffic to three with a center turn lane to further calm traffic and enhance safety.

South Transit Street from Dorchester Road to West Main Street and Walnut Street from South Transit Street to Pine Street will be resurfaced. Traffic signals will also be upgraded, and new curb ramps and sidewalks will be installed to improve access for pedestrians and bring the corridor into compliance with current federal standards.

Work taking place this season includes tree trimming and removals, drainage upgrades, concrete work with new granite curbing, and electrical work. Next year's efforts will include installing new traffic signals, completing concrete work and granite curbing, tree planting, new signs and pavement markings, and milling and paving the corridor.

Two-way traffic will be maintained throughout construction, but motorists should expect daily single-lane closures. Substantial completion is scheduled for summer of 2027.

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said, "Thanks to more than $4.6 million in federal funding from my Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Law, we are paving the way for a safer future in Lockport. This investment will add dedicated bike lanes and sidewalks to a key connector to Buffalo, paving the way for a safer future for pedestrians and cyclists in Niagara County, all while creating good-paying jobs. I'm grateful for Governor Hochul's partnership in enhancing road safety and putting these federal dollars to good work."

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, "Well-maintained infrastructure is critical to enhance safety, improve the flow of traffic, and foster mobility. This street safety project is a win for the city of Lockport and all of Niagara County. I'm proud that $4.6 million in federal funding that I helped secure is going toward this project, and I will keep working to bring in federal dollars to help get New Yorkers where they need to go."

About the Department of Transportation

It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York State.

Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers!

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