“The Congress for the New Urbanism recently published their Freeways Without Futures 2017 report, listing ten highways throughout the country that are in urgent need of removal due to their negative impacts on the surrounding areas,” reports Thea Hassan for the Scajaquada Corridor Coalition. “Number one of the list? The Scajaquada Expressway.” “The organization notes, These ten highways are opportunities for progress. Each one presents the chance to remove a blight from the physical, economic, and environmental health of urban communities. Their intended benefits have not justified the tragic consequences, but converting these highways into human-scaled streets offers a chance to begin repairing the damage. From Buffalo to San Francisco, these are the freeways without futures. “We 100% agree the removal of the Scajaquada Expressway is an opportunity for progress in our city. We also understand suburban commuters may have concerns about how the downgrading may affect their commute, addressed below.” “Myth #1: Removing an urban freeway will make your commute longer” “Myth #2: Removing a freeway will damage the city and regional economy” “Myth #3: New freeway capacity could reduce existing congestion” “Myth #4: Freeways are fiscally efficient and the alternatives are not”
When the Scajaquada Expressway was built in Buffalo in the early 1960s, it bisected and severed Delaware Park—a masterpiece designed by the celebrated urbanist Frederick Law Olmsted. (Photo credit: Mike Puma / CNU)
When the Scajaquada Expressway was built in Buffalo in the early 1960s, it bisected and severed Delaware Park—a masterpiece designed by the celebrated urbanist Frederick Law Olmsted. (Photo credit: Mike Puma / CNU)
