A $43.1 million project to increase pedestrian accessibility and connection throughout downtown Binghamton has been approved, and construction is set to begin this year.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Feb. 12 that the Federal Highway Administration approved the final design of the $43.1 million 363 Gateway Project.
The project will include “additional greenspace, improved access to the waterfront and better multimodal connections throughout the city,” according to a release from the governor’s office.
“People across Binghamton have advocated for years for stronger connections to the beautiful waterfronts and vibrant downtown destinations, and with this final design approval now in hand, their wait is over,” Hochul said. “We are now one step closer to transforming state Route 363 into a gateway that makes the city more walkable, bikeable and accessible, all while improving safety for drivers and kickstarting the next chapter for recreational and economic opportunities across the Southern Tier.”
Centered on the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers, the project will re-envision the way in which downtown Binghamton is connected to its waterfront using sustainable construction materials.
Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said the project marks “one of the most consequential redesigns the City will undergo in recent memory,” while State Senator Lea Webb called the project “a game-changer for the City of Binghamton.”
Here’s what to know about the 363 Gateway Project, including design details and the anticipated starting time for the project.
363 Gateway Project will increase mobility, connections in downtown Binghamton
The project has redesigned the state Route 363 corridor, which includes the replacement of its existing ramp with an intersection with state Route 434 in both directions.
A non-motorized path will be implemented along the Susquehanna River in order to create a direct connection to the South Washington Street Bridge and the Chenango River Walk. The path will be 12 feet wide and half a mile long, and will “enhance pedestrian and bicycle access” to downtown Binghamton.
As part of the project, North Shore Drive eastbound will be directly connected to state Route 363 northbound, east of Exchange Street, and be further reduced to one lane in each direction. In doing so, the length of pedestrian crossings will be shortened, and traffic is expected to be calmer with decreased long-term maintenance costs.
Another 12-foot-wide path will be constructed from Confluence Park to Rockbottom Dam, along with new sidewalks and upgraded curb ramps.
Further, state Route 363 southbound will be removed over the state Route 363 northbound bridge, bringing the roadway down to grade level, which increases the level of pedestrian access.
In turn, the Carroll Street ramp to state Route 363 will ultimately be permanently closed, but the pedestrian tunnel will stay open, and the state Route 363 bridge over Exchange Street will be rehabilitated.
Susquehanna Street and Washington Street, near Visions Veterans Memorial Arena and the Binghamton University Downtown Center, will be improved as well in order to enhance access to local roads from state Route 434 and state Route 363.
The 363 Gateway Project also includes highway and bridge upgrades, using a New York State Department of Transportation standard known as Performance Engineered Mixes.
Adopted in 2024, PEMs “reduce the total amount of cement needed,” according to the governor’s office, which reduces carbon emissions and creates stronger, more durable concrete.
“By addressing decades-old infrastructure and improving accessibility, this project will be transformative in opening up access to greenspace and our waterfront,” City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham said. “This gateway project will strengthen connections throughout the city. It’s an historic investment, and I thank Governor Hochul and NYSDOT for advancing this project.”
When will construction start for the 363 Gateway Project?
Construction is expected to begin during the 2026 construction season.
The public engagement process for the project began back in 2018. The final design was chosen from several initial concepts and incorporated public feedback.
“I’m proud that nearly $30 million from my Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law is helping build a more seamless connection between Downtown Binghamton and the Susquehanna River Waterfront to increase access to recreation and boost local businesses,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY). “I’m grateful the feds have approved this project and for Governor Hochul’s commitment to using federal and state dollars to build a safer, accessible and more connected New York.”
Once completed, “the 363 Gateway Project will unite Binghamton’s downtown and neighborhoods to miles of scenic shoreline,” stated the governor’s office, “delivering unprecedented opportunities for recreation, ease of mobility and economic vitality.”
County Executive Jason Garnar said the 363 Gateway Project is a “transformational investment that will reconnect downtown Binghamton to its waterfront, improve safety and create a more accessible and vibrant corridor for residents and visitors alike.”
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: $43.1M Gateway Project set to start in Binghamton. See design, timeline
Reporting by Sunshyne Lynch, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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