Downtown Buffalo will have one less confusing one-way street, possibly by the end of next year, when Pearl Street converts to two-way traffic.
Over the years and various mayoral administrations, the maze of one-way streets which once flanked Main Street have disappeared. Pearl Street join those newer two-way streets, although it will take at least this coming construction season to complete.
City engineer Peter Merlo says the project ties in with the cars returning to Main Street project, which is currently in its final stages.
"Because that project having cars and have access to Main Street, this project complements that," Merlo explained.
"We'll also add some bike lanes to that corridor and actually we'll try to provide a two-way connector right to to the Inner Harbor there because it'll tie into the Commercial Street, which is still going to show some development in the future."
Merlo says this is a $2.5 million project. Much of the cost will be tied to the additional signals needed for traffic going in both directions. Some paving, lane striping and signage will add to the cost.
