Traffic Alert: I-81, I-86, Route 17 Exit Closures and Slowdowns

Drivers in Binghamton and the town of Dickinson are being warned of changes planned on Interstates 81 and 86, as well as Route 17 in connection with a major construction project.

According to the New York State Department of Transportation, the overnight exit closures and traffic slowdowns are for work on the $16 million project to replace the Front Street bridge over I-81. They'll take place from approximately 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

On Wednesday, Interstate 81 will be reduced to a single southbound lane between Exits 6 and 5. The left northbound lane will be closed from Exit 4 to Exit 6. Southbound motorists should be prepared for occasional "rolling slowdowns" lasting about five minutes.

On Thursday and Friday, I-81 will be reduced to a single northbound lane between Exit 4 and the junction of Interstate 88. Exit 5 will be closed and traffic will be directed to a detour using Exit 6. The I-86 eastbound ramp to I-81 northbound (Exit 72A) also will be reduced to a single lane. Rolling slowdowns lasting 15 to 25 minutes will take place in the area of I-86 eastbound at Exit 70 and continue through the I-81 merge and along I-81 northbound to the junction of I-88.

Additional lane closures and traffic slowdowns are scheduled for next week.

Drivers should expect traffic delays. The planned work is weather-dependent.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.

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