New Pavement, Sidewalks, Turning Lanes and Lighting Enhance Safety, Promote Tourism and Improve the Visual Appeal of Historic Village
Project Completed On Time and On Budget
Investment Complements “Southern Tier Soaring” - The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Department of Transportation’s $8.6 million project to modernize State Routes 36 and 248 in the Village of Canisteo, Steuben County, is complete. This project resurfaced the roadways, created dedicated turning lanes, rehabilitated and enhanced sidewalks throughout the village, and installed pedestrian accommodations that enhance safety for all users. State Routes 36 and 248 are vital roadways in the community for both residents and visitors of Canisteo, a historic community within New York’s Southern Tier. These roadways play a critical role connecting Canisteo to the rest of the Southern Tier Region as well as the City of Hornell to the north and beyond.
“These infrastructure investments in the Village of Canisteo not only enhanced safety but made the village a more walkable place to live, work and raise a family,” Governor Hochul said. “This will enhance quality of life for future generations and promote regional economic development throughout the Southern Tier.”
Among the enhancements delivered over the course of NYSDOT’s work are:
- Repaved State Route 36 from the Village line at the northwest end to the Bennetts Creek Bridge in the southeast; and Route 248 from Route 36 in the north to the Purdy Creek bridge in the south.
- The replacement of existing sidewalks and the addition of 1,000 feet of new sidewalk along State Route 36
- Installation of new rapid flashing beacons along State Route 36 and Maple Street to improve pedestrian safety
- Installation of modern, acorn-style streetlights in front of businesses along State Route 36
- New dedicated left turn lanes along State Route 36 to reduce congestion and improve the flow of traffic
- New parking lot, benches with electrical outlet access, picnic tables and other enhancements to the village’s downtown park
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “This investment in Canisteo is an investment in its people, the businesses who support them, and the women and men who rely on our transportation network every day. I am extremely proud of the work our team at NYSDOT has done to uplift the community in Canisteo, delivering on an important project that supports the regional economy and local jobs.”
Canisteo is home to the famous “Living Sign” where hundreds of pine trees spell out the village’s name, viewable from street level. In 2004, the Living Sign was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, Canisteo is one of Steuben County’s oldest community, with its origins going back into the 18th century. The project demonstrates NYSDOT’s commitment to investing in downtown corridors and builds on the success of recent beautification and safety projects in the villages of Watkins Glen and Montour Falls.
State Senator Tom O'Mara said, “These ongoing state investments in our local transportation infrastructure continue to make a difference for the quality and safety of area communities, as well as to strengthen local economies. We appreciate the work of DOT Region 6 to complete this important project for the village of Canisteo."
Assemblyman Joseph Giglio said, “It’s always good news to see investments to enhance the quality of life and business climate in our communities. There is nothing more important than safety and improvements to the sidewalks and the addition of flashing lights to aid in crossing will increase pedestrian security in the Village of Canisteo. I appreciate the hard work of local officials and of the Department of Transportation to bring this project to completion.”
Village of Canisteo Mayor Monica Recktenwald said, “On behalf of the Village Board of Trustees for the Village of Canisteo, I want to thank the NYSDOT for providing the improvements to our small Village, and appreciate how the State allowed our residents, business owners and board members input into the plans and the process. The professionalism shown by the DOT staff and construction firm was outstanding and all questions were always dealt with in a patient manner. Again, thank you to all involved.”
Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler said, “The extensive work completed by NYSDOT in the Village of Canisteo has enhanced pedestrian access and safety, improved the flow of traffic, and further develops the downtown area. Steuben County is thankful to the Governor, NYSDOT, and its contractors for supporting this project, which will benefit residents and visitors alike for many years to come.”
Accelerating Southern Tier Soaring
Today's announcement complements “Southern Tier Soaring,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $7.4 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – attracting a talented workforce, growing business and driving innovation. Now, the region is accelerating Southern Tier Soaring with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 10,200 new jobs. More information is available here.