Fire Trucks Won't Exit Onto Court Street from New Headquarters

A request for a Court Street median to be removed for the Binghamton fire station project has been rejected by state transportation officials.

The city's initial proposal for the $6.5 million headquarters complex called for fire trucks to exit the station onto Court Street.

Mayor Richard David discussed the issue with the Department of Transportation's top regional officials. He had hoped the front of the station would face Court Street.

DOT representatives expressed concerns about fire equipment entering the often busy, multi-lane roadway.

Revised plans now call for fire trucks to leave the station on Chapman Street, just north of a home on Pine Street. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, the mayor said it seemed that allowing trucks to use Pine Street to enter the station and Court Street to exit "made the most sense." But after safety issues were raised by the DOT, plans were adjusted so apparatus will exit onto Chapman Street.

Fire trucks then will utilize an existing traffic signal at the intersection of Court and Chapman. An emergency pre-empt system will give fire units the green light to then head onto Court Street.

Groundbreaking for the fire headquarters construction project is expected to occur next month.

The site of the future Binghamton Fire Department headquarters on June 4, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)