Rail Renewal
NFTA-Metro has undertaken a program of vital repairs and improvements on the Metro Rail. From the construction of modern stations to track and equipment upgrades, these projects will ensure comfortable, safe, reliable service.
Why Now?
The Metro Rail was originally opened in 1985, with construction beginning in 1979. In the years since, aging components and daily operation in Western New York's wind, sleet, rain, and snow have taken their toll on the system. The Rail Renewal program combines work necessary for the Rail's continued safety and reliability with operational upgrades and enhancements to rider experience, such as improved wayfinding, comfort, and integration with surrounding transit infrastructure.
Metro Rail Grand Opening, 1985
The Rail has been an iconic feature of Buffalo's Main Street and downtown for decades. The work we accomplish today will keep it, and you, moving for many more decades to come.
Stop by this page for updates on current and upcoming projects. While you're here, check out what we've done so far.
In Progress
Cars on Main Street - Mohawk to Exchange (City of Buffalo Project)
The City of Buffalo's Cars on Main Street project began with the removal of the pedestrian bridge located at Main & Eagle in February 2026. Phase 1 construction began Spring 2026, impacting the inbound side (west of Main Street) until its expected completion in Fall 2026. Phase 2 is scheduled to begin in Spring 2027, when construction will shift to the outbound side (east of Main Street).
You can find more information about this project here.
The City of Buffalo in partnership with NFTA-Metro is completing the last phase of the Cars on Main Street project. Construction will occur along Main Street between Church and Exchange Streets this summer. Once completed, there will be new tracks, catenary, and concrete track bed along the entirety of the work area.
During the week of February 15-21, the City of Buffalo removed the pedestrian bridge located at Eagle Street and Main Street, directly above our tracks. NFTA contractors also took advantage of the closure to expedite work around Church Station.
For safety reasons, trains did not operate above ground while this work was being done.
Church Street Station Rehabilitation Project
Work on the project is expected to resume Fall 2026, following coordination to address outstanding project requirements. We look forward to getting the project back underway and moving toward completion.
Renderings of the new design for Church Station
DL&W Station
A pedestrian bridge will link the station directly to KeyBank Center. The bridge is expected to be completed in 2027.
Upcoming Projects
Lafayette Station Rehabilitation Project
A design has been selected for the rehabilitation of Lafayette Station, with construction slated to begin summer of 2027. This will be the fourth of the five above ground stations to see significant upgrades. The new station design will include upgrades to lighting, seating, and weather protection.
Renderings of the new design for Lafayette Station
Fastener & Pad Repacement (Phase 12, 13, 14)
The objective of the project is to replace deteriorated fasteners and rails, and repair damaged concrete plinths and floating slabs.
Catenary & Insulator Replacement Phase 5
This project will replace approximately 18,500 linear feet of overhead contact wire within the rail system. The work will include replacing the existing contact wire and insulators, as well as repairing or replacing the related hardware and tensioners as needed. Once the work is complete, the new system will be tested and placed back into service.
Rail Tunnel Grouting
The project will include filling cracks and grouting the concrete walls of the underground rail tunnel to prevent water from getting inside. The work will focus on addressing immediate repairs and providing preventative maintenance to help protect the tunnel structure.
LaSalle Station Redevelopment
NFTA has entered a joint RFP with the City of Buffalo to redevelop the park and ride lot located at LaSalle Station. The project will bring transit-supportive multi-use development to the surrounding property.
Stay in the Loop
Here are the best ways to get updates on Rail Renewal projects:
- Bookmark this page! Project updates are regularly posted here.
- Subscribe to Metro Alerts. Our text- and email-based alerts are the best way to stay up-to-date on delays, cancellations, and service changes.
- Follow NFTA-Metro on social media
- Plan your trip with Transit, NFTA-Metro's official mobile partner. Get service alerts and view transportation options in the app.
Completed Projects
Click on the boxes below to read about our completed Rail Renewal projects, from most to least recent.
Replacement of rail on the outbound track between Humboldt–Hospital and Allen–Medical Campus was completed in Spring 2026.
Work began near the Delavan platform and continued south, addressing areas where the rail had worn over time.
DL&W Station opened on December 8, 2025, marking the first extension of the Metro Rail line since its opening in 1985. The station repurposes the historic Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Terminal to provide expanded access to Canalside, the Cobblestone District, and the KeyBank Center, and includes upgraded boarding platforms and accessibility improvements. Future enhancements will connect the station to a second level public space and an enclosed pedestrian skywalk to the KeyBank Center, further strengthening downtown transportation and waterfront connections.
NFTA completed the embedded light rail track replacement on the 400 block of Main Street in Fall 2025. The project included a new track crossover, which allows trains to switch between inbound and outbound tracks, increasing operational flexibility and reducing the need for extended service interruptions during future maintenance. The upgraded track bed, rails, and electrical systems now provide improved safety, reliability, and overall Metro Rail performance.
The rehabilitated Canalside Station opened in July 2024, featuring improvements to passenger convenience and comfort such as advanced ticketing systems, real-time transit information displays, and increased accessibility for all riders.
University Station, the northern terminus of the Metro Rail, has been the focus of several capital improvements in recent years. The station's bus loop was widened and reconstructed to create more space for buses and improve the transfer experience between rail and bus services, with the loop reopening to public and bus traffic in September 2023 after construction.
In addition, the station has seen further enhancements, including panel liners, façade improvements, escalator replacement, a new operational configuration for the bus loop, and more passenger comfort amenities - all completed by 2024.
Rail Renewal began with the rehabilitation of all 27 rail cars in our fleet. Each car received new doors, windows, control consoles, lighting, all-new wiring, and a refitted interior. The final rebuilt rail car returned to Buffalo in 2023. The project represented an investment of $45 million into Metro Rail.