New York Senator Charles E. Schumer announced last week that the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has provided over $4 million in funding for the Athol Springs Route 5 barrier project through 2018 Supplemental funding.
Specifically, USACE will use the funding to construct a new, safer and more durable stone barrier to shield Route 5 against crashing waters from Lake Erie during large storms.
“Route 5 is a vital link between Buffalo and the Southtowns, but, due to the quickly deteriorating condition of the existing barrier wall along Lake Erie, drivers are endangered whenever waves come crashing over the wall and onto Route 5 ,” said Senator Schumer .
“ This new barrier wall will shield drivers during even the most treacherous conditions that are trying to get home, to school, or to their job. I applaud the USACE for prioritizing this crucial project, and will always fight in the Senate for infrastructure upgrades that increase safety, help complete important local projects, and boost quality of life and the Western New York economy.”
According to Schumer, the new barrier is critical to ensure the safety of drivers trying to access their homes, schools, and local businesses. Schumer said that through the supplemental funding the project will be completely funded by the USACE, and applauded the USACE for prioritizing this crucial project.
Nearly a century old, the existing wall is rapidly deteriorating and is no longer able to absorb or drain the large waves that result from storms on Lake Erie. The effects are even worse when southwest and west winds hit the shore putting drivers along Route 5 at constant risk of being caught by waves as they crash onto the roadway.