New York begins major $64.1 million project to transform State Route 36 corridor in Hornell
New York, New York – A major transportation overhaul is now underway in New York’s Southern Tier, as state officials move forward with a sweeping project designed to reshape travel, improve safety, and support economic growth in and around the City of Hornell. Governor Kathy Hochul announced that construction has begun on the $64.1 million Hornell Gateway Corridor Project, a large-scale effort led by the New York State Department of Transportation that will transform a key section of State Route 36.
The project focuses on nearly three miles of roadway, stretching from the intersection of Cass Street, Elm Street, and Broadway in Hornell to County Road 66, also known as Webbs Crossing Road, in the Town of Hornellsville. This corridor has long served as a vital route for residents, businesses, and travelers, but officials say it has not kept pace with the region’s growth since it was first built in the 1970s.
“The City of Hornell is a gem of the Southern Tier and this project will be nothing short of transformational for the Maple City,” Governor Hochul said. “From better access to Alstom and Wegmans, to new pavement and miles of new shared use paths, we are ready to get to work to enhance safety, shore up much needed infrastructure and make Hornell a better place to live, work and raise a family.”
Major reconstruction to improve safety and access
State Route 36 currently handles around 13,000 vehicles each day, with traffic flowing through 10 intersections along the corridor. Over the years, the area has seen increased commercial and industrial activity, leading to more turning lanes, traffic signals, and growing demand from pedestrians and cyclists. The new project aims to address all of these challenges at once.
Phase one of the project is already underway and carries a price tag of $36.6 million. Work has begun in the southbound lanes and will include a full reconstruction of the existing four-lane roadway between Adsit Street and Webbs Crossing Road. Crews will install a new asphalt surface, upgrade drainage systems, and make changes at intersections to shorten pedestrian crossing distances. New guiderails and modern traffic signals will also be added to improve safety.
One of the most visible additions will be a shared-use path, which in some areas will be up to 12 feet wide. This path will run along the west side of the corridor, giving pedestrians and cyclists a safer alternative to the narrow shoulders and center median that are currently used. The path will also connect to regional trail systems, including the North Country, Finger Lakes, and Shawmut Trails.
The project includes several major structural upgrades. The multi-use path will extend over the Canisteo River and Carrington Creek, while the bridge at Big Creek will see repairs along with the addition of a prefabricated pedestrian bridge. At the Interstate 86 and State Route 36 interchange, overhead sign structures will be replaced, and space will be created for a new street that will provide direct access to a nearby industrial park, including the Alstom facility.
Additional improvements include new curbs and lighting between Adsit Street and Bethesda Drive, a widened southbound bridge over the Canisteo River, and a new signalized left turn lane at Bethesda Drive. Access to Hornell Plaza, which includes Wegmans, will be reconfigured to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. A new roundabout will also be built at Webbs Crossing Road.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez emphasized the long-term impact of the effort, saying, “This generational Hornell Gateway Corridor Project will be a game changer for the City of Hornell, and our team at the Department of Transportation is ready to hit the ground running to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors in the Maple City.”
Multi-year construction with long-term benefits
Construction will continue over multiple years, with southbound work taking place during the 2026 season and northbound lanes scheduled for 2027. Phase one is expected to be completed by the fall of 2027.
During construction, traffic will be reduced from two lanes in each direction to one lane each way, though intersections and access to properties will remain open. Officials are urging drivers to expect delays but note that access will be maintained throughout the project.
Phase two is already in the design stage and will focus on improvements within the city limits, particularly between Cass Street and Adsit Street. Plans include upgraded pedestrian crossings, new lighting, fencing for safety, landscaping, and an extension of the shared-use path to Main Street. Additional sidewalks and improved connections to local industrial sites are also planned. This phase is expected to go out for bid in 2027.
Together, the two phases of the Hornell Gateway Corridor Project are expected to reshape how people move through the area, making travel safer, more efficient, and more accessible. As construction begins, state leaders say the project marks a major step forward in strengthening infrastructure and supporting continued growth in the Southern Tier.
