Binghamton’s massive 363 Gateway Project has officially begun, and will aim to completely reshape a part of the city’s downtown.
The project, supported by a $46.6 million investment in state funding, will replace a section of highway and two ramps on North Shore Drive and State Street. In its place, construction crews will create a walkable and bike-friendly intersection connecting an area previously closed to pedestrians to the city’s downtown.
The Two Rivers Greenway, which runs alongside the Chenango and Susquehanna rivers, will also be expanded as part of the project.
363 Gateway Project kicks off in downtown Binghamton
In February, construction crews removed trees as part of pre-construction efforts — though a larger number of trees will be planted during the project, which will also add plants and flowers throughout the corridor.
North Shore Drive, a key part of the project, will be directly connected to northbound Route 363 and reduced to one lane of traffic, allowing for quicker and safer pedestrian crossings — with the change also helping to lower maintenance costs in the long run. The project will also close access to Route 363 from Carroll Street and rehabilitate the bridge over Exchange Street.
Improvements to infrastructure for ramps, bridges and roads will also be a core part of the initiative, with the use of stronger and more effective concrete called Performance-Engineered Mixes also helping reduce future maintenance.
According to New York State Senator Lea Webb, the project will increase access to downtown and help both pedestrians and drivers in the long run.
“I often refer to transportation as the circulatory system in our community,” said Webb. “It is what allows us to thrive and stay connected. This project is not simply a gateway improvement project to the city of Binghamton. This is a major hub of transportation for other interstates and highways.”
Due to the project’s scale, it is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Major downtown Binghamton makeover officially underway
Reporting by Riccardo Monico, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Riccardo Monico, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin | USA TODAY Network
