Did the planners and those responsible for lowering Route 5 from its elevated level to the level of old Fuhrmann Boulevard along the waterfront wonder why millions were spent 50 years ago to elevate it?

A look back at the history of that roadway reveals the reason, which some “old timers” still remember. Prior to raising the highway, it was not unusual during snowstorms for strong winds to cause snow drifts that impeded or halted traffic between Ohio Street and the Union Ship Canal. At times it was necessary for vehicles to be abandoned and occupants of those vehicles to be evacuated by emergency equipment.

Raising the roadway did not prevent whiteouts, but winds off the lake tended to sweep the snow across and off the elevated highway, where there were no obstructions to cause it to drift and stall traffic, as can happen on the “new” lowered section.

Curtis Barber

Amherst