Broome Work Zone Warning: “You Are Not Helping”

The state Department of Transportation is using a blunt message on Route 17 in Broome County to try to reduce construction zone backups.

An electronic sign reading "You Are Not Helping" now flashes at westbound drivers in the town of Union as they approach a bridge repair project.

That message alternates with "Do Not Lane Block" as vehicles prepare to merge into a single lane.

A variable message sign directed at westbound motorists on Route 17 in the town of Union on October 27, 2026. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

These work zone warnings were developed to address the traffic problems that have been associated with the project since it began three months ago.

A statement provided to WNBF News by the DOT indicated the message signs on Route 17 "were posted to curb queue blocking (blocking upstream lanes) by motorists, including operators of large commercial vehicles."

The statement noted lane blocking "forces a merge point far in advance of a lane closure."

The DOT advised that it's "illegal, not helpful, and worsens backups."

Long backups and crashes have occurred during peak travel periods since the work got underway. An average of 42,000 vehicles use that section of Route 17 each day.

Traffic patterns on Route 17 should return to normal with the expected completion of the $4.5 million project.

Bridge approach slabs are being replaced on spans over the Susquehanna River and Vestal Road.

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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.