Two-year repaving project coming to Route 17 in Tioga County NY

Brandon Kyc
·2 min read
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OWEGO, N.Y. (WETM) — If you’ve driven through Tioga County on Route 17 toward Binghamton you’ve probably noticed the state of the highway that has been worn down over the years due to winter abuse and driving.

On Tuesday, New York State announced the start of a $47 million taxpayer-funded project designed to add 22 miles of new pavement and rehabilitate two bridges in the Owego area on state Route 17 to expand the life of the roadway and improve mobility.

The governor’s office commented that the years of winter conditions along with consistent traffic along the road have put it in a state of repair.

“State Route 17 is one of the most heavily traveled roads in the Southern Tier,” said Governor Kathy Hochul, “and this highway improvement project will increase its durability and help keep traffic flowing regardless of the challenges posed by Mother Nature,” she said.

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The project will resurface the roadway and upgrade guide rails on Route 17 from Exit 65 in Owego to the Broome County line. The release states that a warm mix asphalt will be used to reduce costs and improve pavement performance and durability compared to traditional hot mix asphalt applications.

Two bridges that cross Apalachin Creek will be rehabilitated with new road decks, concrete barriers, and bearings.

The governor’s office said construction will happen over the next two construction seasons, but the road will be open, but motorists should expect traffic restrictions.

For the 2024 season, traffic will go to one lane in each direction separated by concrete barriers and westbound traffic will be crossed onto the eastbound side.

In the spring of 2025, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction and eastbound traffic will move to the westbound side.

Detours will be in place in 2024 for drivers looking to use the Exit 66 westbound on and off ramps and the eastbound ramps in 2025. These detours will be removed during the winter to allow for normal traffic.

The governor’s office adds that more than 600 jobs will be created from the project.

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