Return of Students Brings Traffic Tie-Ups to Downtown Binghamton

Binghamton motorists are dealing with occasional gridlock on some downtown streets as thousands of students move into apartment complexes.

Minor traffic jams occurred on sections of Court and Chenango streets Friday as parents helped sons and daughters unload clothing, furniture and other essential items.

The return of the students is bringing new life to the center city that has been generally quiet since Binghamton University suspended on-campus classes last March.

City police monitored downtown traffic but there appeared to be relatively few issues as minivans and sport utility vehicles briefly double parked near student apartments.

While waiting for her daughter to return to a vehicle, a mother from Queens had plenty of positive things to say about Binghamton and the university.

Although she expressed some concern because of the COVID-19 pandemic, she said she expected her daughter would be safe because of the safety protocols that have been implemented.

New students who will be living on the Vestal campus will continue to move in through Saturday. Returning students are to get back to campus Sunday through Tuesday.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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