Binghamton Traffic Chaos: Drivers Face Delays, Confusing Detours

Motorists navigating streets throughout much of the city of Binghamton are encountering changing traffic patterns and some unexpected congestion because of ongoing construction projects.

Downtown roadways and several streets in Binghamton neighborhoods have been closed while repair work and safety enhancements are underway.

A $5 million streetscape improvement project has been causing confusion for drivers and affecting some business operations over the last several weeks.

Sections of Henry, Washington and Water streets have been closed at times as crews focus on doing major infrastructure work.

Detours associated with that project have required motorists to travel circuitous routes to reach downtown offices, restaurants and other businesses.

Traffic patterns often are changed with no advance notice, resulting in confusion and frustration for drivers.

Reaching downtown destinations from the city's West Side using Main Street is impossible because of ongoing work around the scene of last February's fatal fire. Underground vaults are being repaired and work is being performed on and below the Court Street bridge. Eastbound traffic is being detoured around the site.

Sections of Main Street on the West Side have been closed from time to time in recent weeks for construction operations related to a $6.2 million improvement project. The closures have detoured motorists down neighborhood side streets.

Mayor Jared Kraham said "we have not seen a construction season quite like this in some time." He told WNBF News "we're fixing the infrastructure of the city" with some major projects.

The mayor said people "see the great results when the projects are completed."

Kraham the city worked with contractors in preparation for the LUMA projection arts festival. Some trucks and construction equipment were moved in order to provide more space for people attending the event.

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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.