Higgins: NYS DOT to Review Future of Skyway | News

BUFFALO, NY - Congressman Brian Higgins announced Tuesday that the New York State Department of Transportation has agreed to look into the future of the Skyway.

Higgins has long been an advocate for removing the Skyway, saying it is outdated and has become a barrier to economic development.

WEB EXTRA:

• Click here to read NYS DOT's response to Congressman Higgins.
• Click here to read Congressman Higgins' letter to the NYS DOT.

The Congressman has petitioned the department to consider removing the Skyway and creating alternative travel routes.

At Tuesday's news conference, Rep. Higgins talked about the need to remove the skyway in order to develop Buffalo's outer harbor.

"A new harbor bridge will take people into the waterfront," said Rep. Higgins.

Re. Higgins has been critical of the DOT in the past, upset they have not been willing to consider an alternative to the Skyway. On Tuesday, Two On Your Side's Scott Brown asked about the change.

Brown: "What finally broke the logjam do you think?"

Rep. Higgins: "The fact that we have a new bridge under design so we have an alternative to it. Secondly, the report that they themselves did that says this structure will require $125 - $143 million of rehabilitation work."