© 2024 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace
Buffalo, NY 14202

Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
WBFO Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Your NPR Station
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

DOT spokesperson: Humboldt rails weren't faulty in two Kensington plunges

While crews have begun work to fix up the guard rails along Humboldt Parkway in Buffalo, a spokeswoman with the New York State Department of Transportation says those rails were not faulty in both incidents involving cars crashing through and plunging down on to the Kensington Expressway.

Work got underway last weekend to fix the protective rail along Humboldt Parkway, running parallel to the Kensington Expressway. Twice since April 2014, cars traveling at a high rate of speed crashed through the rail and fell below on to the Kensington. 

This past November, a car crashed through the rail at Humbolt and Glenwood and fell on to the Kensington. The driver survived and was later charged in connection with a shooting that investigators believe was related to the crash.

Back in April 2014, a 47-year-old man died when his vehicle crashed and plunged in a similar way. 

Transportation officials insist the rails were not faulty.

"In either case, vehicle or traffic laws were not being obeyed," said Susan Surdej with the DOT. "When you have excessive speeds down neighborhood streets and extenuating circumstances, they can result in accidents."

Residents have been petitioning the City of Buffalo for an improved protective system, replacing existing concrete and aluminum with sturdier barriers.

Michael Mroziak is an experienced, award-winning reporter whose career includes work in broadcast and print media. When he joined the WBFO news staff in April 2015, it was a return to both the radio station and to Horizons Plaza.
Related Content