First New Binghamton-Area Roundabout in a Decade Opens to Traffic

Another roundabout has become operational in Broome County as part of a $16 million road improvement project.

The new traffic circle on Front Street between Otsiningo Park and Old Front Street in the town of Dickinson opened on Saturday without fanfare.

The state Department of Transportation made no advance announcement about the timing of the traffic pattern change.

Town of Dickinson supervisor Michael Marinaccio said the roundabout opening caught him by surprise. The first time he went through the work zone Saturday morning, it was not yet in operation. When he traveled through the area a short time later, traffic was using it.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program Monday morning, Marinaccio said: "I love it!" He said "I'm sure there's going to be a few people" who "may not accept it readily." He expects most people will like it and a second nearby roundabout that's being constructed as part of a bridge replacement project.

Marinaccio said traffic circles "really work and they keep traffic flowing nicely... and they slow traffic down."

Work is continuing on the project. Marinaccio said he expects the second roundabout - to the north of the circle that just opened - will be put into operation sometime next month. He said it should be open before the Spiedie Fest, which will be held in early August.

According to the Department of Transportation, double lane closures are planned on Interstate 81 southbound in the town of Dickinson between exits 6 and 5. The closures are planned for 7 p.m. through 6 a.m. through July 1.

I-81 northbound will be reduced to a single lane for nighttime work from the Route 17 interchange to exit 5 through July 4.

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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.