Route 36 Revamp: Hornell Residents Invited to Discuss Dot’s $55 Million Proposals

The state of New York’s initiatives to renovate a vital thoroughfare in Hornell will become more apparent.

Tuesday, April 30 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., in the auditorium of Hornell High School, engineers from the Department of Transportation will provide an update on the $55 million Route 36 project and discuss potential changes to the busy four-lane corridor from Cass Street in the City of Hornell to the southern limit of the Village of Arkport over the next decade.

After the presentations, attendees will proceed to the high school cafeteria to participate in an open house session.

What is the Route 36 Corridor Project About?

The anticipated modifications to Route 36 are designed to rectify issues that emerged from the four-lane system’s construction in the 1970s. That system failed to consider the increase in commercial activity along the corridor or provide adequate provisions for pedestrians and cyclists.

As per the Department of Transportation, objectives encompass enhancing safety, reducing congestion, and accommodating the growing number of pedestrians and cyclists along a main roadway segment in Hornell that accommodates 13,000 vehicles daily across ten intersections.

From Adsit Street to Big Creek Road, a “suburban transition area” comprises the Hornell Plaza, which is flanked by Walmart and Wegmans and experiences some of the heaviest foot traffic.

Significant speed limit changes also occur in this transition zone, ranging from 30 to 45 to 55 miles per hour.

The Department of Transportation stated at a public meeting in July 2022 that roundabouts at strategic intersections, complete access at the northern plaza driveway, and an extension of the two-lane section of 36 from Arkport south along the “rural” segment of the corridor were all being considered, in addition to other ideas such as adjusting speed limits.

DOT noted during the 2022 meeting that the grass median between 36 and the plaza is well-traveled, indicating a constant flow of pedestrians; however, the area is deserted and lacks pedestrian accommodations.

Here is the Tentative Route 36 Project Timeline

At the Hornell High School meeting, engineers will present “preferred alternatives” or options, according to the DOT. The address of the high school is 134 Seneca Street.

The DOT stated that public input will continue to be gathered as the project remains in development.

According to the project outline, proposal openings are scheduled to commence in the autumn of 2026, followed by construction to commence shortly thereafter. The anticipated completion date for construction is the winter of 2028-29. One thousand living snow pine trees are planted by the DOT in areas where whiteouts are known to occur. Determine where.

Following the schedule, both state and federal funding sources will be utilized for the endeavor.