NYSDOT crews will be out on Interstate 81 between exits 16 and 21 resurfacing the northbound right lanes beginning April 20 in Broome County.
The $19 million pavement project is part of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s plan to upgrade roughly 9 miles of asphalt from exit 13B on Front Street to exit 21 in Castle Creek.
The work is expected to cause minimal traveling disruptions as crews will be scheduled to work overnight.
I-81 construction timeline in Broome
Work restrictions will be in place for annual summer events like the Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally on Aug. 7-9 at Otsiningo Park.
Construction on I-81 is expected to be complete by winter 2026.
Keep aware in work zones
National Work Zone Awareness Week, which began on April 20, started in 1939 after the New York State Department of Transportation lost 59 crew members in work zones.
Across New York there were 366 accidents in work zones in 2025, resulting in two deaths. So far, NYSDOT has reported 40 work zone incidents for 2026, including two in the Southern Tier.
During any road work and construction motorists are encouraged to plan ahead for detours and delays. Work zone speeds are in place to ensure the safety of the highway work crews and other motorists sharing the road.
Visit 511NY.org to stay up to date on ongoing road work, detours and closures.
Kalyn Grant reports on public service issues for the Press & Sun-Bulletin, focusing on schools and community impact. Have a story to share? Follow her on Instagram @KalynCarmen and on Facebook under Kalyn Kearney. Get in touch at KCGrant@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: I-81 construction begins in Broome County. How it will impact travel
Reporting by Kalyn Grant, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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