BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Four miles and more than 60 years of commutes, the Buffalo Skyway is used by thousands of people every day.
The sky's the limit when it comes to a new design of the roadway.
"The discussion is take down the skyway or leave it up. Neither is an end on-to itself. There should be a purpose for whatever happens next and we are looking for the purpose," John Maggiore, Senior Advisor to Governor Cuomo said.
The state decided to launch a design competition for the Skyway. Urban planners and architects from across the globe are re-imaging the skyway. Submitting designs that combine the commuter aspect and the livability of Buffalo's Waterfront.
"There's a fascination with design and creating wonderful structures," Danielle Arigoni, an urban planner and panelist for the Skyway design project, said. "It is really important it is grounded in how people live and what they need in order to have a great quality of life."
Arigoni will be one of the panelists that will help choose the winner of the competition.
The checklist she is looking for:
-Feasibility
-Affordability
-Traffic flow
-Community
-Transportation alternatives
-Something that responds to the needs of older adults and will last 30-40 years
"It has to respond to the needs of the older adults I think we know as a country we are aging, a place that does serve the needs of older adults well doesn't serve communities well," Arigoni said.
Design submissions are due this Friday and in September, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be announced. First place winners will win $100,000, 2nd place $50,000 and 3rd place $25,000. Ideas from all the winners will be incorporated into the final product.
People can submit designs here.
