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NYPA to improve safety for access to fishing pier at Niagara plant and to hiking area

by jmaloni

Press release

Wed, Sep 4th 2013 02:35 pm

Limited parking during construction

The New York Power Authority today announced that roadwork renovations will begin Monday, Sept. 9, for major improvements along South Access Road leading to the admission-free fishing pier at the Niagara Hydroelectric Power Plant. During the work, the lower parking area at the pier, which is at the base of the plant's main generating facility, will have limited spaces available, and the shoreline access to Devil's Hole for hikers will be closed.

When completed late next year, the renovations will provide a redesigned, paved and safer access road for both vehicles and pedestrians. A riverside pedestrian walkway will be installed, next to the road from the upper to the lower parking lots, with a guide rail separating vehicle traffic from pedestrians.

"The fishing pier at the Niagara power plant is a favorite with local anglers," said Harry Francois, NYPA regional manager, Western New York. "The roadway improvements will enhance the experience of visiting the fishing pier, by the lower Niagara River, and improve safety for the fishing and hiking communities traveling to the area."

As a result of the extensive construction, about half of the parking spaces in the lower lot will be unavailable starting Sept. 9. Additional parking will be available in the upper lot at the top of the hill, from the pier. There may be times when road construction flagmen restrict the flow of vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

The south end of the lower parking lot will be blocked off, in the interest of safety, so hikers proceeding along the shoreline from Devil's Hole will not have access to the stairway between the lower lot and the water's edge.

"Whatever short-term inconvenience from the construction work, the improvements will be well worthwhile to the community, particularly during the fishing season," said Lou Paonessa, NYPA director of community relations, at the Niagara plant. "The superb fishing by the pier includes trout, salmon and bass."

The fishing pier is open during the fishing season from dawn to dusk. It also features a fish-cleaning station and restrooms.

For updated information on the road renovations and any traffic restrictions, the general public can call 716-796-0135, ext. 45.

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