Keeping Buffalo’s Waterfront Connected
The Ohio Street Lift Bridge has served as a key connection along the Buffalo River since the 1960s, linking Canalside and the Outer Harbor through one of the city’s most active and evolving corridors. As the surrounding waterfront continues to transform, maintaining this connection became critical to both mobility and ongoing redevelopment efforts.
Our team supported the rehabilitation of the 60-year-old structure through detailed inspection, load rating, and fatigue analysis, forming the foundation for both design and construction. The $19 million project included structural steel replacement, a new road deck, updated sidewalks, traffic gates, and protective coatings, extending the bridge’s service life while ensuring safe and reliable operation.
Maintaining Access During Construction
With Ohio Street closed for an extended construction period, the nearby Michigan Avenue Lift Bridge became a vital detour route. Ensuring its reliability was essential to maintaining traffic flow and public safety throughout the project.
Our team provided emergency repair design and inspection services for the Michigan Avenue Bridge, helping stabilize and prepare the structure to handle increased demand during the closure.
Coordinating Solutions Across the Corridor
To keep work moving, we supported procurement of long-lead materials for the Michigan Avenue Bridge, helping minimize delays and maintain the overall project schedule. This level of coordination ensured both structures could function together as part of a broader system.
Today, both bridges are back in service, supporting continued movement along Buffalo’s waterfront and reinforcing the infrastructure behind one of the city’s most significant revitalization efforts.
