New York State to Hire Hundreds for Kensington Project in Buffalo

When it comes to public works projects, the Kensington Expressway Tunnel Project is one of the largest projects completed in Upstate New York in several years. As it stands, New York State, with help from the U.S. Department of Transportation, plans to spend more than $1 billion of taxpayer money to upgrade the underground section of Route 33 of New York State (NY 33) which it crosses. the old Humboldt Parkway.

The plan calls for a nearly 3/4-mile stretch of the highway to be capped and converted to a tunnel. The buried part of the tunnel would remain a highway, while the aboveground part would be used as green space.

READ MORE: Buffalo Residents File Lawsuit to Stop Kensington Tunnel Project

Although the community has expressed opposition to this project, NYSDOT officials are moving forward with their construction plans. At a news conference hosted by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a NYSDOT spokesperson said he hoped to have shovels on the ground in Buffalo this fall.

To accomplish this, New York State is looking to hire several people to help fill some potentially high-paying construction jobs. Part of the program’s requirements is for state officials to offer hiring preference to those located near the Kensington Expressway in Buffalo. This means that many local residents will be given priority for these jobs.

READ MORE: NYSDOT Releases Kensington Project Rendering Video

The DOT has held information sessions throughout the community to meet its local hiring goals and is holding training classes later this summer.

The Kensington Expressway Project’s WorkSmart NY training program currently pre-registers individuals for courses. To be eligible for classes, you must be a City of Buffalo resident with a state-issued ID or driver’s license, a high school diploma or GED, and proof of income.

You can find more information about the Kensington Expressway Project WorkSmart NY training program on the NYSDOT website.