The New York State Department of Transportation has announced that ramp and lane closures will begin on Route 198 on July 20, lasting for six weeks. The closures are part of a road construction project aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of the route.

The Department of Transportation has stated that the closures are necessary to complete the road work, which will include repairs to the ramps and lanes.

"We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the public's patience and understanding as we work to improve the safety and efficiency of Route 198," said a spokesperson for the Department of Transportation.

The closures will affect commuters who use Route 198 to travel to and from Downtown Buffalo, including those who work in the Central Business District. University at Buffalo students and faculty who commute to the South Campus may also be impacted by the closures.

West Side residents who use Route 198 to access Downtown Buffalo may need to find alternative routes during the closure period. The Department of Transportation has recommended that commuters check for updates on the project's website and plan their routes accordingly.

The road construction project is part of a larger effort to improve the infrastructure in Buffalo, with a focus on enhancing safety and reducing congestion. The City of Buffalo has invested heavily in transportation projects in recent years, including the reconstruction of Main Street and the improvement of Delaware Avenue.

The Department of Transportation will provide updates on the project's progress and any changes to the closure schedule. Commuters can expect the closures to be in place until August 31, with the road work completed by the end of the summer.