The city of Buffalo is putting measures in place to help drivers safely navigate Gates Circle. The action follows several direct crashes which have left the stonework around the circle heavily damaged.
Even though Gates Circle has been a large fixture on Delaware Avenue since 1903, some drivers still manage to run right into it. Buffalo Public Works Commissioner Steve Stepniak says most of the crashes involve northbound vehicles late at night. So yellow impact barrels are now in place on the south side.
"The barrels are a protective measure that protects the signage that we put in. We have the flashing light that's right there that also indicates that you're approaching the circle," Stepniak said.
Stepniak says the signal at Lancaster and Delaware is now timed to help slow traffic. New striping should also calm traffic.
As officials move forward, they say they are aware of the new Canterbury Woods Retirement Community set to break ground in 2016.
"We're going to make sure that we come up with a plan that could exist for long periods of time and aesthetically pleasing," Stepniak said.
"This is what we needed to do now.