Binghamton Area I-81 Exits Are Finally Being Renumbered

The state has finally decided to number Interstate 81 exits in Broome County based on mileage - instead of sequentially.

The Department of Transportation has announced the new system will be implemented starting Wednesday.

The first exits signs to be switched will be in the town of Kirkwood, a short distance of the Pennsylvania border.

DOT workers with a sign overlay on Interstate 81 in Kirkwood on March 12, 2025. (Photo: New York State Department of Transportation)

In revealing the move to update the existing signs, the DOT didn't explain why it took so long to make the change.

Nearly two decades ago, Senator Thomas Libous - a Binghamton Republican - called for the adoption of the system by January 2010. He said it was time for New York to do "what other states are doing."

In 2003, the DOT released a report on the feasibility of using a "milepost exit numbering system." The study concluded while it was "technically possible," it would be "quite costly."

A DOT worker along I-81 in the town of Kirkwood on March 12, 2025. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

According to a DOT news release, the "new system will ensure Interstate 81 conforms to current national standards."

Some ramp closures are possible on Sunday mornings to replace overhead signs in Broome County.

The first Interstate 81 exit sign to be renumbered is in the town of Kirkwood, north of the Pennsylvania border. (Photo: New York State Department of Transportation)

The agency did not indicate when it plans to adopt the system on Interstates 86 and 88 in the Binghamton area.

Assemblyman Joseph Angelino, a Republican whose district includes part of Broome County, said:

As a first responder for many years I know highway exit numbers using mileage is better than sequentially numbered exits. Especially considering our current exit numbers include numbers and letters. Our interstate system has many people passing through who are not familiar with exits by number. The standard for most of the United States is exits corresponding to mileage which is more identifying to a location. It won't take people very long to get used to the new exit numbers.

This story was updated to include photos provided by the New York State Department of Transportation.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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