Binghamton Garage Safety Precautions Planned

Scaffolding is to be put in place around a downtown Binghamton parking ramp to protect pedestrians from any concrete that might fall from the structure.

The scaffolding is to be erected around the Collier Street garage this week, just days after a stairwell at the facility was closed because of deteriorating concrete.

City engineer Philip Krey says some temporary shoring inside the parking ramp across from Governmental Plaza also will be put in place.

The Collier Street garage is one of three city-owned garages downtown. All are in need of significant repair work.

Krey says the scaffolding along Hawley and State streets near the Collier Street ramp is being put up as a precaution. He says he expects all sections of the facility will be able to remain open.

The garage has spaces for about 500 vehicles.

Krey says the city will be putting out a request for a firm to handle a full assessment of the downtown garages to help develop plans for addressing parking needs.