NYSDOT Begins $4.5 Million Route 17 Bridge Work in Vestal

The New York State Department of Transportation has begun a $4.5 million project to upgrade four bridges carrying State Route 17 over Vestal Road and the Susquehanna River in the Towns of Union and Vestal.

Route 17 Bridge Upgrades Focus on Aging Approach Slabs

Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez announced the start of the project, which will replace worn approach slabs on the four structures. The bridges date back to 1969 and see roughly 42,000 vehicles pass over them daily along this Southern Tier corridor. Approach slabs create a smoother transition between the road surface and the bridge itself, and replacing them is expected to improve safety and ride quality while extending the bridges' lifespan and cutting down on future maintenance needs.

NYSDOT Positions Bridge Work as Investment in Broome County

Dominguez described the upgrades as part of a broader commitment to Southern Tier infrastructure under Governor Hochul, noting that these bridges serve students, commuters, businesses and families moving through Broome County daily. She said the goal is to make the corridor safer and more dependable now while positioning it to support future economic growth.

Route 17 Corridor Connects Key Southern Tier Destinations

State Route 17 ranks among the busiest routes in the Southern Tier, carrying an estimated 42,000 vehicles a day through this stretch of Broome County. The corridor provides access to major employers, local businesses, parks and recreational sites, and several higher education institutions, including Binghamton University, SUNY Broome Community College, Empire State University's Binghamton location, and Elmira Business Institute's Vestal campus.

State Route 26 Ramp Closures Expected During Construction

Work is expected to wrap up during the 2026 construction season. Both the northbound and southbound entrance ramps from State Route 26 to State Route 17 East will be closed at points during construction, and drivers should anticipate significant delays. NYSDOT is asking motorists to build in extra travel time and stay alert to temporary traffic pattern changes and detours while the work is underway.

Broome County Lawmakers Support Route 17 Upgrades

Senator Lea Webb said the project reflects the value of investing in infrastructure that keeps residents safer, extends vehicle longevity and improves access for businesses, and said she looks forward to seeing the bridges in improved condition.

Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said the project addresses one of Broome County's most heavily used transportation corridors, and credited NYSDOT for continuing to work with the region to strengthen its transportation network while protecting the infrastructure that connects neighborhoods, schools, employers and businesses.