Route 17 Reopens to Traffic in Apalachin But Work is Continuing

The westbound lanes of Route 17 in the town of Owego are open to traffic after being closed for more than six months by the first phase of a $47 million project.

The repaved section of the heavily-traveled expressway in eastern Tioga County was opened without fanfare on Friday.

The reopening was good news for drivers heading west who normally use the Apalachin exit. The closing of the exit since April required motorists to use Route 434 through Vestal or Route 17C through Endicott and the town of Union.

Although the newly-paved travel lanes in Tioga County are in operation, a left lane closure approaching the construction area remained in effect in Vestal. The speed limit is reduced to 55 mph in that single-lane area.

People traveling east on Route 17 between Owego and Apalachin will encounter backups in the days ahead as workers remove concrete barriers in the work zone.

Motorists soon will be able to use both eastbound lanes again. But they should be prepared for sections of pavement in poor condition over the next several months.

The second half of the highway reconstruction project is scheduled to start next spring. During that phase, two-way traffic will be maintained in the westbound lanes while the eastbound lanes are rebuilt.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.