Nearly $2.8 million awarded to Town of Hamburg for transport improvements

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Town of Hamburg has been awarded a Transportation Alternatives Program grant worth nearly $2.8 million following $18 million in funding for various cities and towns in Western New York announced Monday by the NYS Department of Transportation.

New sidewalks, bike lanes and crossings will be constructed on South Park Avenue from the Village of Hamburg line to Scranton Road with the $2,785,194 grant.

The route currently lacks sidewalks, forcing pedestrians, bicyclists, and those on scooters and wheelchairs to ride on the shoulder of the well-traveled area.

A 26-year-old woman was struck by a vehicle and killed while traveling on the shoulder of South Park Avenue last August.

"This investment will bring safer modes of travel for our residents, encourage exercise, and result in a healthier, more vibrant community," said Hamburg Town Supervisor Randy Hoak in a release.

"I see people walking or riding bicycles and mobility devices on this stretch of South Park every day. These are people who are getting to jobs, families that are grocery shopping, or seniors heading over to Pegasus for lunch. A safer South Park corridor will benefit residents, visitors, and businesses in our community.”