Construction in the Prospect Mountain area is about to rev up again.
Friday afternoon, the state Department of Transportation held a seminar for first responders to bring them up to speed on the project. The main thing to realize is that it will be a slow-go in the area of where Route 17 and Interstate 81 meet near kamikaze curve. Towards the end of next month, crews will start to build a new bridge over Chenango Street. As a result, traffic in that area along 17 eastbound and 81 southbound will be reduced to one lane for up to several months. This summer, significant work will also be done in the area of what will be a Prospect Street interchange. Last year, work was performed on the eastbound side. This construction season, work will be done on the westbound section, including building new on and off ramps.
Jack Williams is the DOT's Regional Director. Williams says, "I would ask them to try to stay away from the construction area as much as they can. If they have other ways, and they may be a little bit longer distance-wise, but if they could please try to find another way into work / it will make it easier for everybody."
Work in the Prospect Mountain area will pick up on Monday. Phase one of the overhaul to the highways is slated to wrap up in 2015. You can find construction updates on the DOT's FaceBook page. Type in keywords Prospect Mountain Construction Project.
