Johnson City Square Deal Arch Project Paused Pending New Tests

Work has been halted on the long-awaited project to repair and stabilize the iconic Square Deal Arch on Main Street in Johnson City.

The pause comes only a few weeks after crews from Lupini Construction started the first phase of rehabilitating the structure that has stood for more than a century.

Joshua Holland, the village's director of public services, said work on the site stopped last Friday after it became clear the arch's condition is worse than initially believed.

Holland said the discovery came after some of the concrete pieces were removed from the steel structure the supports the arch.

Holland briefed members of the Johnson City village board about the condition of the arch Tuesday evening. He said "it's not in good shape."

For now, the work is on hold until the pending an assessment of the structure and how the project should proceed.

The arch is covered with concrete pieces that were cast to look like granite. At this point, it's not clear exactly what additional work will be needed to finish the rehabilitation job.

Money for the project - with an estimated cost of $462,000 - is being provided by the Greater Binghamton Fund.

Although the job has been paused, Main Street around the arch at the Binghamton-Johnson City border remains closed to vehicular traffic.

Holland said the street may be reopened at some point but the earliest that could happen would be June 10.

That's bad news for the owner of Harash Stop & Shop, a convenience store next to the arch. He said his business has been hurt "very badly" since the construction detour was set up last month.

A small sign has been posted near the start of the detour to alert customers that the store remains open for business.

The detour also has affected other nearby businesses in recent weeks.

VIDEO: A visit to the Main Street job site on May 8, 2024.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.