New York has finished a major $47 million road and bridge rehabilitation project along Interstate 86 in Tioga County, marking a key milestone in the state’s continued investment in the Southern Tier’s transportation infrastructure.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the project’s completion on December 8, highlighting improvements made to a six-mile stretch of highway through the Town of Owego. The project resurfaced the Southern Tier Expressway — previously known as State Route 17 — and included upgrades to two bridges spanning Apalachin Creek.
Boosting safety and mobility across the Southern Tier
“This stretch of I-86 is a vital route connecting workers, businesses, and families to regional anchors like Lockheed Martin, Tioga Downs, and Binghamton University,” Hochul said. “Smart infrastructure investments like this one are about keeping New Yorkers moving safely and efficiently.”
The work brings this section of I-86 up to full interstate standards. The highway serves as a key corridor between Erie, Pennsylvania, and Broome County, linking cities like Jamestown, Corning, and Elmira to the Greater Binghamton area.
In addition to new pavement using a warm asphalt mix, the bridges received new decks, barriers, and bearings. Guide rails were also replaced in both directions to improve roadside safety.
More I-86 projects are already planned
The improvements don’t stop here. Beginning in 2026, the state will launch a new three-year project to rebuild an additional 4.7 miles of I-86 in the Town and Village of Owego, including work on Exits 64 and 65.
Another resurfacing project — covering a six-mile segment between Exits 61 and 62 in the Town of Nichols — is in the design phase and scheduled to begin in 2027.
State Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said the projects represent a broader push to modernize and strengthen New York’s infrastructure. “Interstate 86 is a major gateway for tourism and commerce across the Southern Tier,” she said. “These upgrades will keep people and goods moving while fueling long-term regional growth.”
Local leaders hail the investment
Southern Tier lawmakers praised the project’s completion and the state’s long-term commitment.
State Senator Tom O’Mara called it “fundamentally important for motorist safety and economic success,” especially for the tourism and manufacturing sectors that rely heavily on regional transportation.
Assemblymember Christopher S. Friend echoed that message, calling the project “an important investment in the long-term safety and reliability of Tioga County’s transportation network.” He noted that modern infrastructure is essential to attracting businesses, supporting local employers, and growing the economy.
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