Skyway Paint Job Would Cost 15 Million BUFFALO (wned) - Painting the Skyway would be " a colossal waste of public dollars," says Congressman Brian Higgins. Instead, he believes the span should be dismantled.

But the demolition of the 60-year old bridge will need to wait.

"You can't remove the Skyway until you develop alternatives," said Higgins.

Among the options under review in a state study is the use of smaller bridges connecting the Outer Harbor and route 5 to downtown Buffalo. The South Michigan Avenue Bridge, which was torn down nearly a half-century ago, could be resurrected.

Many critcis see aesthetic value in the use of smaller bridges connecting with the lake shore parkway now underway near Fuhrmann Boulevard.

Beauty aside, Higgins sees a savings to taxpayers.

"The anticipated need for Skyway improvements moving forward is quite substantial," says Higgins.

"My goal is to ensure that any improvements to the Skyway are deferred until we develop an alternative plan for the Skyway, which would include its removal."

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