Pavement Reconstruction and Bridge Rehabilitation Will Enhance Safety and Improve Mobility Along Vital Southern Tier Travel Artery
Investment Complements “Southern Tier Soaring” – the Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that major construction is underway on a $47 million project to renew a key stretch of State Route 17 in the Town of Owego, Tioga County, enhancing safety and improving travel along a vital artery for travelers headed to and from the Southern Tier. The two-year project will resurface approximately 22 miles of pavement and rehabilitate two bridges to improve mobility and resiliency along the highway, which has been impacted by years of harsh winter weather and heavy traffic. The project is part of Governor Hochul's unprecedented commitment to modernize New York State's infrastructure and invest in projects that promote equity, connectivity and transportation opportunities for communities all across the state.
“New York is making critical investments to ensure our vital travel arteries keep people moving for decades to come,” Governor Hochul said. “State Route 17 is one of the most heavily traveled roads in the Southern Tier, and this highway improvement project will increase its durability and help keep traffic flowing regardless of the challenges posed by Mother Nature.”
The project will resurface the roadway and upgrade guiderails on State Route 17 from Exit 65 in Owego to the Broome County line. Paving will involve a warm mix asphalt, which reduces costs and improves pavement performance and durability compared to traditional hot mix asphalt applications. The two bridges that carry State Route 17 over Apalachin Creek will also be rehabilitated with new road decks, concrete barriers and bearings to further enhance safety and resiliency.
Work on the project will stretch over the next two construction seasons and the highway will remain open while work is underway, but motorists should expect the following lane restrictions and traffic patterns:
- During the 2024 construction season, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction separated by a concrete barrier and westbound traffic will be crossed onto the eastbound side.
- Beginning in the spring of 2025, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction separated by a concrete barrier and eastbound traffic will be crossed over the westbound side.
Detours will also be in place for motorists using the exit 66 westbound on and off ramps during 2024 season and the eastbound ramps during 2025. Detours and crossovers will be removed during the winter months to allow for normal traffic patterns between construction seasons. The project will create more than 600 jobs and includes a Project Labor Agreement to ensure workers are treated and paid fairly.
State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State has prioritized investing in and rebuilding infrastructure across New York State to reconnect communities, improve resiliency and help grow our economy. The rehabilitation of this stretch of State Route 17 will improve travel along on the state’s most important roadways and ensure the continued operation of a vital gateway to the beautiful Southern Tier.”
State Senator Thomas F. O’Mara said, “It remains a fundamental commitment for New York State to invest in the enhancement, improvement, and maintenance of roads and bridges here in the Southern Tier and throughout the state. This project to reconstruct and rehabilitate a vital stretch of Route 17 through Tioga County will revitalize the regional transportation infrastructure for the long term to the great benefit and safety of area motorists and visiting travelers alike.”
Tioga County Legislative Chair Martha Sauerbrey said, “The people that travel the route 17 are extremely pleased that the road will again become a smooth ride as it was years ago. It has been a challenge to travel this route and we are very pleased that major construction is underway!”
Owego Mayor Michael Baratta III said, “This project is a long-needed repair of a heavily traveled route and will be greatly appreciated by all. I am very thankful NY State is investing in infrastructure in Tioga County.”
Accelerating Southern Tier Soaring
Today's announcement complements “Southern Tier Soaring,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on attracting a talented workforce, growing business and driving next-generation innovation. More information is available here.
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