The Hornell Route 36 Corridor Transformation is a step closer to reality.
In October, the New York state Department of Transformation awarded a $36,550,671 contract for the major road reconstruction that is engineered to improve traffic safety, better accommodate walkers and bicyclists and expedite travel along a key but outdated highway.
Previous estimates placed the cost of the project in the $55-60 million range.
DOT lists the Route 36 Corridor Transformation as an active project, but motorists will not encounter construction delays in November or December or in early 2026, according to state and local officials.
The next few months will see mostly prep work, including the removal of some trees and brush, and utility changes, a DOT spokesperson said.
DOT said a groundbreaking event will be held in the spring, which is when construction gets underway.
Route 36 work will extend from Cass Street in the City of Hornell to I-86 in Hornellsville.
Key features include a lighted walking-bicyclist trail, a roundabout at the northern section of the project and modern engineering and road improvements at high priority locations like the Walmart-Wegmans plaza, where the heaviest daily traffic is recorded.
The project is also expected to include a significant upgrade in street and trail lighting.
Hornell and state official said previously that the first phase of construction will be between Adsit Street and Webbs Crossing Road.
DOT currently has a “substantial completion date” of Nov. 1, 2027 listed for the project.
Hornell Mayor John Buckley welcomed the progress and the bid award milestone.
“I’m very excited to see this once in a generation project move forward and am appreciative of DOT’s efforts to prioritize this important investment in our community,” Buckley said in statement provided to the Evening Tribune.
“One key component of the project I’m looking forward to seeing is the addition of the pedestrian/bicycle trail that will extend from center city to the Webbs Crossing intersection,” Buckley added. “This will ensure pedestrians will be able to safely travel walking to and from the Wegmans/Walmart Plaza.”
Buckley predicted the trail will unlock additional recreational opportunities for walkers, runners and bicyclists.
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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: NYS awards $36.5M contract for Hornell Route 36 transformation. See construction timeline
Reporting by Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune / The Evening Tribune
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