New York Construction Report staff writer
The final design for the $43.1 million 363 Gateway Project has been approved, a major step in modernizing a key corridor connecting downtown Binghamton to the Susquehanna River waterfront. The project, recently cleared by the federal highway administration, incorporates public feedback collected since 2018 to improve safety, accessibility, and multimodal connections throughout the city.
Approval brings the community one step closer to transforming State Route 363 into a more walkable, bikeable, and accessible gateway that also supports downtown economic and recreational opportunities.
“People across Binghamton have advocated for years for stronger connections to the beautiful waterfronts and vibrant downtown destinations, and with this final design approval now in hand, their wait is over, Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “We are now one step closer to transforming State Route 363 into a gateway that makes the city more walkable, bikeable and accessible, all while improving safety for drivers and kickstarting the next chapter for recreational and economic opportunities across the Southern Tier.”
Located at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers, the project will create a new shared-use path along the Susquehanna River, linking downtown destinations to Binghamton University and the Two Rivers Greenway. Pedestrian and bicycle access will be enhanced to popular spots including eateries, museums, state and county offices, Visions Veterans Memorial Arena, and the Arts District.
Key elements:
- replacement of the existing cloverleaf ramp with an at-grade intersection at State Route 434 for safer traffic flow
- 12-foot-wide, half-mile-long non-motorized path connecting the South Washington Street Bridge and the Chenango River Walk
- closure of the Carroll Street vehicular ramp to Route 363 northbound, while maintaining the pedestrian tunnel
- reconstruction and rehabilitation of bridges and pavement using Performance Engineered Mixes to improve durability, sustainability, and reduce carbon emissions
- new sidewalks, upgraded curb ramps, and streetscape improvements near Visions Veterans Memorial Arena and the Binghamton University Downtown Center
Construction is expected to begin in the 2026 season. NYSDOT will host future public meetings to provide updates and additional information on the project’s progress.
