DL&W Station

Reconnecting with History

The historic Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad (DL&W) trainshed has been part of Buffalo's history for over a century (opening in 1917) but has been largely inaccessible to the public for decades.

The DL&W is located at the foot of Buffalo's Main Street, set beside Canalside along the Buffalo River at its confluence with the Niagara River, the Erie Canal, and Lake Erie. The project aims to stabilize, restore, and reuse the entire underused iconic structure.

The trainshed’s location on the Buffalo River makes it a prime spot for waterfront development. The project will integrate the trainshed with the nearby Canalside and KeyBank Center, creating a vibrant hub for recreation and entertainment. By attracting visitors and connecting transit access to the waterfront and Cobblestone District, the updated trainshed is expected to stimulate economic growth in the surrounding area.

What Will a Renewed DL&W Bring to Buffalo?

The DL&W project, encompassing the new NFTA-Metro Rail Station and adjacent redevelopment, will provide several significant advantages for riders, including:

Expanded Service

Metro Rail operations will be developed into the new DL&W station, enabling passengers to travel further into the Cobblestone District, Canalside, and Old First Ward.

Increased Ridership and Service Frequency

The Metro Rail extension aims to improve service reliability for existing riders and to attract additional users.

Direct Access to Key Destinations

Direct connectivity to the KeyBank Center via an enclosed pedestrian skywalk, enhancing convenience for event attendees and providing a coatless connection.

Enhanced Multimodal Connectivity

Development of a more accessible transportation hub for pedestrians and cyclists, with integration into the Shoreline Trail, Niagara River Greenway, and Empire State Trail, thereby improving access to the waterfront.

Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion

The DL&W project will address current accessibility challenges in the areas surrounding the trainshed, fostering a more inclusive environment for all users, including individuals with disabilities.

 

Next Steps

The ongoing preservation and redevelopment of the DL&W trainshed involves four key projects: DL&W Station; Shoreline Restoration; Riverwalk / Empire State Trail Access Improvements; and 2nd Floor activation.

DL&W Metro Rail Station

This station is the first extension of the light rail system since the 6.4-mile line opened in 1985. Station construction involved significant site and yard work, construction of boarding platforms, partial demolition of masonry walls for Shoreline Trail-facing station entrances, and 2nd floor improvements to furnish a station pathway to the east tower station entrance on South Park and future pedestrian bridge to KeyBank Center (expected completion in 2026).

2nd Floor/Roof Deck Redevelopment

This component of the project will see improvements to approximately 55,000 square feet of outdoor deck space that will support events for over 2,100 people, with the ability to bring in food trucks, an outdoor stage, and event equipment up and down from the 2nd-floor outdoor space. The funding will also support the construction of a pedestrian walkway directly from the 2nd floor of the DL&W to the KeyBank Center.

Planned improvements to the indoor trainshed area include restored historic windows, lighting, ceilings, and structural repairs, as well as utility supports (e.g., HVAC) to prepare the space for private sector/developer tenant improvements.

Shoreline Rehabilitation

Following a 2022 seawall collapse off the easternmost end of the DL&W Trainshed, near the Cotter Slip, NFTA has replaced the failed 200-linear-foot section and begun a project to rehabilitate the remaining 1,250-linear-feet of the seawall.

Riverwalk/Empire State Trail Access

The NFTA completed the DL&W Multimodal Access Study in 2022. From this study, NFTA has advanced detailed designs for the preferred alternatives for the Michigan Avenue Entrance, Bridge View Plaza, and the Riverwalk/Shoreline Trail along the seawall adjacent to DL&W Station. The focus of these improvements is to enhance safety and accessibility for people walking, bicycling, and using other assistive mobility devices to use the trail and/or access the new light rail station.