Towns tackle dangerous boulevard in WNY

Leaders in Amherst and Tonawanda are taking the first steps towards a new safety plan for a dangerous stretch of Niagara Falls Boulevard, between the 290 and East Robinson. 

Both supervisors of Amherst and Tonawanda went for a walk on Niagara Falls Boulevard with New York State Department of Transportation representatives. They surveyed problems including lack of street lights, broken crosswalks and traffic signals. 

Within the last five years, six people died while trying to walk across the boulevard in this area. A 41 year-old woman was hit and killed near Ted’s Hot Dogs just last month. Leaders of both towns say something has to give. 

“There’s some things we can do immediately to improve the scenario,” Town of Amherst Supervisor, Brian Kulpa said. 

Town leaders say their hands are tied since this is a state highway. However, they are going to submit a plan of action once their audit is complete. 

New York State Department of Transportation agreed to work with both towns to make Niagara Falls Boulevard a safer road.