Construction Expected to Halt Binghamton Travel

As the Prospect Mountain Construction Project continues to make progress, it's time to remove old bridges which means traffic is expected to come to a standstill for a short time on Thursday, September 24th.

The New York State Department of Transportation has announced that they'll conduct a single controlled blast on Thursday, September 24th to remove the northbound and southbound Interstate 81 (I-81) bridges over the Chenango River that are no longer being used.

Starting at 10:15am, traffic will be slowed down or stopped for about 15 minutes at the following locations:

- I-81 Southbound starting at Exit 6 (Chenango Bridge).
- I-81 Northbound/State Route 17 Westbound starting at Exit 2 (Industrial Park).
- State Route 17 Eastbound starting at Exit 71 (Airport Road).
- Interstate 88 (I-88) Westbound starting at Exit 2 (Chenango Bridge).

During the time of the traffic slowdown/stop, the on-ramp to I-81 Southbound at Exit 5 (Front Street/SUNY Broome) will be closed.

The State Route 7 on-ramp to I-81 Northbound/Route 17 Westbound will also be closed and you won't be able to t travel on the following City of Binghamton streets during the blasting operation:

- Front Street between Prospect Street and Bevier Street.
- Truesdell Street between Pleasant Avenue and behind K-Mart in the Binghamton Plaza.
- Olmstead Street and North Avenue.

Prospect Mountain Construction Project personnel will patrol the Chenango River, Front Street, Olmstead Street, North Avenue and Cheri Lindsey Park. The park will be closed on Thursday for public safety.

Please be extra cautious and be alert for slow moving traffic and sudden stops. The New York State Department of Transportation also reminds drivers that  fines are doubled for work zone infractions.