A $47 million road rehabilitation project along Interstate 86 in Tioga County has been completed, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The two-year effort focused on a six-mile stretch of the Southern Tier Expressway in the Town of Owego, resurfacing the roadway and upgrading two bridges to improve safety and mobility for drivers.
Governor Hochul stated, “Smart infrastructure investments like the crucial highway reconstruction of the Southern Tier Expressway will help keep New Yorkers moving. Interstate 86 is a critical highway bringing people to Lockheed Martin, Tioga Downs, and Binghamton University and countless other regional destinations, so it is crucial to rehabilitate this section so motorists can experience everything the Southern Tier has to offer.”
The Southern Tier Expressway connects Jamestown, Corning, and Elmira with the Greater Binghamton Area. Last year, a 32-mile portion in Broome and Tioga Counties was officially designated as part of Interstate 86. The recent upgrades bring this section up to current interstate standards.
Marie Therese Dominguez, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation, said, “Major things are happening in the Southern Tier and across the state under Governor Hochul’s leadership as New York State continues to rebuild its infrastructure to connect communities, improve resiliency, and keep people and commerce flowing from region to region. Interstate 86 is a major gateway for tourism and commerce across the Southern Tier, and these projects along Interstate 86 will improve mobility for residents and visitors alike, and help fuel continued growth and prosperity throughout the region.”
The project included reconstructing road surfaces between Exit 65 in Owego and the Broome County line using warm asphalt mix. Two bridges over Apalachin Creek received new decks, barriers, bearings, as well as updated guide rails in both directions.
This work is part of ongoing efforts by New York State to invest in transportation infrastructure that enhances safety and supports economic activity. Additional projects are planned: next year will see rehabilitation begin on an adjacent 4.7-mile segment within Owego covering Exits 64 and 65; another six-mile resurfacing project between Exits 61 and 62 in Nichols is scheduled for 2027.
State Senator Tom O’Mara commented: “The ongoing maintenance, rehabilitation, and modernization of Interstate 86 remains vital to the strength and success of the Southern Tier region. It’s critical for the regional tourism and manufacturing industries that drive so many other economic opportunities for our local economies and communities, and it’s fundamentally important for motorist safety. These ongoing state commitments are smart investments that produce numerous benefits across the Southern Tier.”
Assemblymember Christopher S. Friend added: “The completion of this $47 million rehabilitation of Interstate 86 represents an important investment in the long-term safety and reliability of Tioga County’s transportation network. I commend the Department of Transportation and all project partners for delivering significant infrastructure improvements that will support mobility and public safety for years to come. Interstate 86 is a backbone of economic activity in our region, and this $47 million upgrade strengthens our ability to attract business, support local employers, and keep goods and workers moving efficiently. Modern, resilient infrastructure is essential to growing the Southern Tier economy, and this project is a major step forward.”
The New York State Department of Transportation states its mission is to provide a safe transportation system that connects communities while supporting economic well-being throughout New York.
For travel information or updates on future projects statewide—including details about upcoming construction—residents can visit www.511NY.org or use their mobile app.
