Traffic Jammed: Binghamton-Vestal Greenway Delays Resume on 434
With the arrival of spring, Broome County drivers once again might do well to stay away from where the $25 million Greenway project is being constructed.
Construction on the 2.5-mile-long pathway for pedestrians and bicyclists along the Vestal Parkway has resumed after a three-month winter break.
Motorists making the usually-quick trip between downtown Binghamton to the Vestal town line Monday discovered the Parkway was more like a parking lot. A typical two-minute ride turned into a 22-minute scenic journey next to the Susquehanna River.
Westbound traffic crawled and at times came to a standstill as drivers approached the active work zone near University Plaza. The backup was caused by the closure of the right lane. Motorists then encountered a left-lane closure for a signal installation project.
According to the state Department of Transportation, the grading and paving of the pathway is planned in the coming weeks. Lighting work will be completed along the Greenway route.
Crews will be finishing work on a retaining wall near Clubhouse Road. They'll also be installing call boxes, bicycle railings and fencing.
The DOT reports the estimated "substantial complete date" for the Greenway project is May 2.
The shared use pathway will run from Pennsylvania Avenue in Binghamton to Murray Hill Road in Vestal.
The current construction contract cost for the project is about $25.2 million. That's an increase of more than $3 million over the original contract award cost.
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.