Rough Stretch of I-81 in Binghamton Gets Attention

A bone-jarring section of Interstate 81 in the Prospect Mountain work zone in the city of Binghamton is being repaved.

The rough patch of highway is on a temporary bridge that carries northbound traffic over Broad Avenue.

David Hamburg, a spokesman for the New York State Department of Transportation, said the original paving material used on the steel bridge met the standards for the structure.

The pavement didn't hold up as it was designed, apparently as a result of the heavy traffic volume on the highway.

A "rough road" sign had been posted to alert motorists of the surface conditions. A sign warns drivers of overweight trucks with "R" permits not to use the temporary bridge.

In recent weeks, crews had repeatedly patched the bridge surface. Engineers ultimately decided the best way to deal with the situation was to remove the original pavement and put down a new surface.

Hamburg said the repaving is being done with a different type of asphalt that is expected to be more durable.

To accomplish the work, Interstate 81 North/Route 17 West will be reduced to one lane between Fairview Avenue and the 81/17 split. The right two lanes of the highway are to be closed from 6 p.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday.

Hamburg said the repaving was scheduled at night to minimize the impact on highway users.

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