Interstate 88 westbound between Unadilla and Otego is now open after both directions were closed due to erosion under the roadway.
On April 4, the New York State Department of Transportation announced the westbound lanes of I-88, between exits 10 and 12, had reopened to traffic.
That portion of the roadway was initially closed in both directions on March 31 after NYSDOT crews discovered a large amount of soil had eroded underneath the roadway.
On April 1, NYSDOT said engineering and geotech staff found “water channeling from a nearby hillside had traveled beneath both directions of the highway, creating a gap under the roadway,” and recent storms worsened the situation.
Emergency repairs began promptly and, as of April 4, the westbound lanes had reopened for travel.
Despite this, the eastbound lanes remain closed, and NYSDOT said motorists should continue following the 9.5-mile detour along state Route 7.
In an April 4 press release, the Otsego County Office of Emergency Services gave the following update:
The county also urged motorists traveling along the detour to “allow extra travel time and exercise caution,” as the route goes through a school zone and residential neighborhood.
There is no timeline as to when the eastbound lanes will reopen, but the NYSDOT will provide updates as work progresses.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: I-88 westbound between Unadilla and Otego now open. What to know
Reporting by Sunshyne Lynch, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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