New York Invests $63.5 Million In Vital Regional Infrastructure

Today, May 3, 2026, an announcement was made detailing work on a $63.5 million investment in key projects across three counties in New York State.

The Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, and Western New York are part of a long-term mission to strengthen infrastructure, enhance motorist and pedestrian safety, and support economic growth across the state, according to the announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul.

The work includes two projects on Interstate 86 in the Southern Tier and Western New York, as well as a safety project in the Village of Cooperstown.

Each mile of infrastructure we invest in carries people to work, products to market and keeps the Empire State’s economy moving. I-86 is more than a highway. It is a lifeline for the Southern Tier and Western New York. Every day, families, workers, and businesses depend on this corridor to get where they need to go safely and reliably. Likewise, the Village of Cooperstown, known for its quaint downtown area and emblematic beauty, is one of a handful of upstate attractions that feels like it belongs to everyone, and this project will help create a true gateway for this gem in Upstate New York. - NYS Governor Kathy Hochul

 

What Are The Three Projects?

Southern Tier - Tioga County

In the Southern Tier, work just began on Interstate 86 in Tioga County. It's a $53 million, three-year project in the Town and Village of Owego to reconstruct nearly 20 lane miles, including work at Exits 64 and 65, and to install new guide rails, rumble strips, and drainage upgrades. This project is a part of a broader initiative to modernize infrastructure and enhance resiliency along Interstate 86, according to the Governor's announcement.

In addition, a project that is currently in design will resurface a 6-mile section of Interstate 86 between Exits 61 and 62 in the Town of Nichols. That project is stated to begin in 2027. This project will be to replace asphalt and underlying concrete pavement between Pumpelly Creek and the Marshland Road bridge in Owego.

The final product is designed to minimize future cracking and maintenance costs, and extend the roadway surface life by up to 15 years and the underlying foundation by up to 30 years. The project will also include ramp repairs at Exits 64 and 65.

Otsego County - Mohawk Valley

The $5.5 million Cooperstown Gateway Project is now underway, enhancing pedestrian safety and walkability in the Village of Cooperstown. The project will install a new sidewalk and pedestrian lighting along the eastern edge of State Route 28 between Linden Avenue and Walnut Street, creating a safer, more connected corridor.

In addition, there will be enhancements along the corridor, including drainage upgrades and the installation of defined driveway entrances for local businesses to improve traffic flow in and out of the Village.

Construction is scheduled to be completed over two construction seasons, with most of the major work taking place at night to limit disruptions to residents, visitors, and local businesses.

Once the summer project is complete, work will begin on enhancements, including a new sidewalk and the installation of new pedestrian lighting along State Route 28 between Linden Avenue and Walnut Street. Also, Route 28 will be milled and paved, along with permanent pavement striping. The project will also include landscaping.

Cattaraugus County - Western NY

In Cattaraugus County, work has begun on a $5.6 million repaving project to help rejuvenate that section of I-86. The project includes milling and resurfacing more than 25 lane miles between the Town of Carrollton and the City of Salamanca.

Motorists are advised to watch for signs regarding detours and closures. For more information, visit Governor Hochul's website.

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