City of Buffalo DPW: Allen Street, between Delaware & Elmwood, closed to vehicular traffic through mid-summer

Closure will make way for phase II of continuing $13.4 million ‘Allen Street Complete’ project, which is transforming roadway into ‘more efficient and attractive corridor for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists’

The City of Buffalo Department of Public Works announced Allen Street, between Delaware and Elmwood avenues, is closed to vehicular traffic through mid-summer, as phase II of the $13.4 million “Allen Street Complete” continues. 

Both Irving Place and Upper Park Street, which run between Allen and North streets, and Lower Park, between Virginia and Allen streets, have been converted from one-way, to two-way traffic during this phase of the project. On-street parking will be limited to one side of the street. 

Traffic detours are posted and there will be sidewalk closures as needed to accommodate the work. 

“The transformative results of phase I have already proved a welcome improvement for long-time Allentown residents and businesses, while also accommodating the increased activity fueled by the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and spin-off development,” Mayor Byron Brown said. “We look forward to the positive impact phase II will have on the remaining section of the Allen Street corridor.” 

Phase I of the project, from Main Street to Delaware Avenue, began in March 2019 and wrapped up in October 2020. 

Crews are currently installing a new, 24-inch water line and telecommunications cables. That work will be followed by full street reconstruction, which will include the complete replacement of the street bed and sidewalks, and will feature flexible parking that can be blocked off for other uses at various times. New lighting, landscaping, street furniture and public art will also be installed.

Brown said, “This critical investment is enhancing Allentown’s active and unique commercial and residential neighborhoods. The design features numerous elements that not only improve traffic flow and walkability, but also better connect the community to this special corridor.” 

Initial work on the second phase of the “Allen Street Complete” project, which has a price tag of $7.1 million, started with utility work in late 2021. Over the past five months, reconstruction of the sewer has taken place along Allen Street, from Elmwood Avenue to Wadsworth Street. 

When the work is complete, crews will repeat the same tasks along the final section of Allen Street, from Elmwood Avenue to Wadsworth Street. The entire “Allen Street Complete” initiative will be wrap up by the end of the year. 

Allentown residents and businesses can get regular updates on project by visiting https://allenstreetcomplete.com.