Broome County Executive Jason Garnar says construction delays at the Binghamton-Johnson City sewage treatment plant are to blame for the protracted closure of Vestal Road.

Garnar issued a statement to WNBF News after Vestal town supervisor John Schaffer said he hoped the roadway could reopen to two-way traffic within a month.

Vestal Road near the treatment facility has been limited to one-way traffic since May 2016. The closure was supposed to last two years.

Several businesses are located on the east end of Vestal Road. Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Several businesses are located on the east end of Vestal Road. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Schaffer said the prolonged detour is causing traffic delays, harming small businesses and adversely affecting response to emergencies.

Garnar said the county is looking into any agreement that had been made by the administration of Debra Preston with the city of Binghamton and the village of Johnson City, the plant owners.

In his statement, the county executive said the road will open when equipment is removed from the roadway "due to the never-ending construction" at the facility.

A call seeking comment from Binghamton City Hall was not returned.

A sign directs motorists on the Vestal Parkway on September 19, 2019. Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News
A sign directs motorists on the Vestal Parkway on September 19, 2019. Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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