Prep Work Underway for Future Washington Street Pedestrian Mall

Utility crews have been working along a crumbling pedestrian mall in downtown Binghamton.

Long-delayed efforts to improve the section of Washington Street north of Court Street near the MetroCenter are moving forward.

NYSEG workers have installed new electric lines under the mall in recent weeks.

Employees from Albert Torto Construction Corporation and the city have been making preparations for work on water lines, along with the installation of new fire hydrants.

An old fire hydrant was removed from the Washington Street pedestrian mall on June 14, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Temporary water service interruptions are possible in the area as work continues this week.

The first efforts to redevelop the pedestrian mall started in 2014 with the removal of the city's popular "Sidewalk of Stars." The in-ground exhibit honored dozens of beloved Southern Tier residents.

City councilmembers blocked a plan to construct a dozen parking spots in place of the pedestrian mall.

A new project was developed as part of the city's planned downtown Arts District. Construction is expected to start this summer.

These new fire hydrants are to be installed in downtown Binghamton. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 772-8400 extension 233.

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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Filed Under: Binghamton, Downtown, Washington Street

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