Chenango River Bridges to Be Blasted

The New York State Department of Transportation is planning on using explosives in a single controlled blast to take down two bridges over the Chenango River that have been replaced in the Prospect Mountain construction project on Interstate 81 in the City of Binghamton.

The DOT says starting at around 10:15am on September 24th, traffic will be slowed down or stopped for about 15 minutes at Interstate 81 South starting at Exit 6 in Chenango Bridge, Interstate 81 Northbound/State Route 17 West starting at Exit 2 at Industrial park, State Route 17 Eastbound starting at Exit 71 (Airport Road) and Interstate 88 West starting at exit 2 in Chenango Bridge.

The on ramp to I-81 South at Front Street near SUNY Broome Community College and the Route 7 on-ramp to I-81 North/ 17 West will be closed during the operation.

Travelers will also not be allowed on Front Street between Prospect and Bevier Streets, Truesdell Street between Pleasant Avenue and behind the KMart Plaza and between  Olmstead Street and North Avenue.

Cheri Lindsey Park will also be closed as a safety precaution.

Up to date travel information can be found at www.511NY.org or by calling 511.