TIOGA COUNTY, NEW YORK – A major road rehabilitation project in Tioga County has been completed, improving a key stretch of Interstate 86.
The $47 million project, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, focused on a six-mile portion of the highway between Exit 65 in the Town of Owego and the Broome County line. This section, part of the Southern Tier Expressway, formerly known as State Route 17, underwent resurfacing, and two bridges were upgraded to enhance safety and resilience against severe weather. New guide rails were also installed in both directions.
The project, which took two years to complete, is part of the New York State Department of Transportation’s ongoing efforts to modernize the Southern Tier Expressway. Governor Hochul highlighted the importance of the highway for regional connectivity, noting it serves key destinations including Lockheed Martin, Tioga Downs, and Binghamton University.
The Southern Tier Expressway connects the cities of Jamestown, Corning, and Elmira to the Greater Binghamton Area. The improvements bring this section of Interstate 86 up to current interstate standards. Additionally, a separate project is in design to resurface another six-mile segment between Exits 61 and 62 in the Town of Nichols, with work scheduled to begin in 2027.