Buffalo agency taps WSP for light-rail environmental review

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority's (NFTA) board has chosen WSP Inc. to provide environmental review and preliminary design for the first phase of the Amherst Metro Rail extension project.

WSP's scope of work includes refining the 2017 locally preferred alternative for extending the Metro Rail light-rail system along Niagara Falls Boulevard in Buffalo, New York. The alignment would run from the University Station in Buffalo to the University of Buffalo's North Campus in Amherst, New York.

Also under the contract, WSP will explore options for additional storage and maintenance facilities, according to a press release issued by Empire State Development. Financial details of the contract weren't disclosed.

In January 2017, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced $5 million in funding to complete the environmental review for the light-rail extension to Amherst. Shortly after, NFTA's board approved the locally preferred alternative for the project and authorized staff to initiate the environmental review process, including preliminary design.

"This feasibility study will give us some critical information on the most reasonable path for the light rail expansion," said Amherst Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer A.J. Baynes. "Providing improved access to the future redevelopment of Niagara Falls Boulevard and the University at Buffalo will only continue our growth and prosperity in the region."