Construction begins on Route 17 in Owego

OWEGO, N.Y. — Construction began on a $47 million project to renew a stretch of State Route 17 in the town of Owego to enhance safety and improve travel along the route, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced in a press release.

The two-year project will resurface approximately 22 miles of pavement and rehabilitate two bridges to improve mobility and resiliency along the highway which has been impacted by years of harsh winter weather and heavy traffic.

“New York is making critical investments to ensure our vital travel arteries keep people moving for decades to come,” Hochul said in the release. “State Route 17 is one of the most heavily traveled roads in the Southern Tier, and this highway improvement project will increase its durability and help keep traffic flowing regardless of the challenges posed by Mother Nature.”

Work includes resurfacing the roadway and upgrading guiderails along State Route 17 from exit 65 in Owego in Tioga County to the Broome County line. Paving will involve a warm mix of asphalt, which reduces costs and improves pavement performance and durability compared to traditional hot-mix asphalt applications.

 The two bridges that carry State Route 17 over Apalachin Creek will be rehabilitated with new road decks, concrete barriers, and bearings to further enhance safety and resiliency.

“This project is a long-needed repair of a heavily traveled route and will be greatly appreciated by all,” Owego Mayor Michael Baratta III said.

“The people that travel the Route 17 are extremely pleased that the road will again become a smooth ride as it was years ago,” Tioga County Legislative Chair Martha Sauerbrey said. “It has been a challenge to travel this route, and we are very pleased that major construction is underway.”

Work on the project will stretch over the next two construction seasons. The highway will remain open during the work, but motorists should expect lane restrictions and changes in traffic patterns.

During the 2024 construction season, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction separated by a concrete barrier with westbound traffic diverted onto the eastbound side. In the spring of 2025, traffic remains reduced to one lane in each direction with eastbound traffic diverted onto the westbound side.

Detours will be in place for motorists using the exit 66 westbound on and off ramps during the 2024 season before switching to the eastbound ramps in 2025.

The project, which includes a project–labor agreement to ensure fair treatment and pay for workers, will create more than 600 jobs.