ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Governor Hochul is highlighting major road projects in the City of Ithaca.
On November 3, Hochul announced that the $27.4 million rehabilitation work to parts of Meadow, Fulton, West Buffalo, West Seneca, and West Green Streets will begin in Spring 2026.
The projects will include over three miles of paving, including addressing cracks, ruts, and potholes. It will also include traffic signal improvements, lane configurations, and 15,000 feet of sidewalk upgrades.
“Upstate New York roadways can take a beating during the winter months, which is why we must take great care to ensure they are kept in good condition and able to withstand whatever challenges Mother Nature has in store for us,” said Hochul. “This investment in Ithaca’s vital roadways will help keep people and goods on the move in the region and will continue to pay dividends for many years to come in terms of safety, resiliency, and economic growth.”
The road work will include:
- Meadow Street and Fulton Street northbound and southbound from Elmira Road to the Ithaca City line
- West Buffalo Street between Taughannock Boulevard and South Meadow Street
- West Seneca Street between North Fulton Street and North Meadow Street
- West Green Street between South Fulton Street and South Meadow Street
Some preliminary work, including sidewalk and driveway prep, is already underway. Six traffic signals will be fully replaced, 14 will be upgraded to include video detection, and two signals will be installed at intersections that don’t currently have them.
“The City of Ithaca is grateful for the Governor’s investment in improving these major state highways,” said Mayor Robert Cantelmo. “As one of the largest in-commuter cities in the region, this essential maintenance will continue to provide access and reliability for thousands of residents and workers that call our community home.”
Traffic pattern changes include the eastbound lane along West Buffalo Street, which will switch from a left-turn lane onto North Meadow to a through lane. On North Fulton Street, a dedicated right-turn lane onto Cascadilla Street will be extended to serve as a through lane. A rapid flashing beacon will also be installed on Route 13 near Esty Street to enhance pedestrian safety.
“Investing in our city’s core roads is fundamental to building a safe, sustainable and equitable transportation system,” said Assemblymember Anna Kelles. “After years of wear, thousands of Ithaca residents have been asking for safer crossings, smoother travel and more reliable access. These improvements to Route 13, Fulton, Meadow, and West Buffalo Streets will calm traffic, reduce accidents, expand pedestrian access and modernize outdated infrastructure in some of our most heavily traveled corridors. We have all sate in backed-up traffic past the high school and felt the frustration of how challenging it can be getting in and out of the city. This project addressed that by reducing congestion, strengthening the connection between downtown and our waterfront and ensuring every resident, visitor and worker can move through the city safely and reliably.”
Most of the work will be done at night and is scheduled to be finished by summer 2027.
You can learn more here.
In related news, the State DOT recently announced an ambitious state road paving project in 2026.
