The state Department of Transportation is setting the stage for an ambitious $18 million upgrade to Auburn’s key thoroughfare, the Arterial, aiming to revitalize the nearly 3-mile stretch that spans the heart of the city.
The renovation plans include repaving the deteriorated east and west lanes of Routes 5 and 20, from the city’s western boundary to Standart Avenue, enhancing stormwater systems, curbing, and introducing intelligent traffic signals to boost traffic efficiency. The state Department of Transportation is currently in the design phase, with a focus on pavement, sidewalks, and other facility improvements, anticipating a contract award next fall.
Despite its historical significance, the Arterial, opened in 1976 and a result of urban renewal efforts, now sees nearly 20,000 vehicles daily. The state-funded project also coincides with temporary road fixes and a railroad crossing replacement by Finger Lakes Railway, ensuring Auburn’s main artery is set for a major facelift to meet modern demands.
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