DOT outlining options for $55 million Route 36 Corridor project at Hornell public forum

New York state's plans to transform a key Hornell thoroughfare will come into sharper focus at a public meeting next week.

From 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 30 in the Hornell High School auditorium, Department of Transportation engineers will update the status of the $55 million Route 36 project and outline how the busy four-lane corridor from Cass Street in the City of Hornell to the southern limit of the Village of Arkport may be changing in the next decade.

Following the presentations, the gathering will move over to the high school cafeteria for an open house session.

What the Route 36 Corridor project is all about

The Route 36 changes are expected to address concerns arising from the 1970s construction of the four-lane, which did not account for a rise in commercial development along the corridor or make accommodations for pedestrians and people on bikes.

According to DOT, goals include improving safety, calming traffic and accommodating an increase in pedestrian and bicycle use along a major stretch of Hornell roadway that sees 13,000 vehicles a day across 10 intersections.

A “suburban transition area” from Adsit Street to Big Creek Road includes the Hornell Plaza anchored by Walmart and Wegmans, where some of the highest traffic volumes are recorded.

That transition area also has significant speed limit changes, varying from 30 to 45 to 55 miles per hour.

At a July 2022 public meeting, DOT said roundabouts at strategic intersections, full access at the northern plaza driveway and extending the two-lane section of 36 from Arkport south along the “rural” section of the corridor were under consideration, as are other concepts, like adjusting speed limits.

During the 2022 meeting, DOT noted there is a well-worn path in the grass median between 36 and the plaza, indicating a steady stream of foot traffic, but the area is unlit and does not have any pedestrian accommodations.

Here's the tentative Route 36 project timeline

DOT said engineers will present "preferred alternatives" or options at the Hornell High School meeting. The high school is located at 134 Seneca St.

The project remains in development and public input will continue to be collected, DOT said.

A project outline envisions bid openings in fall 2026, with construction beginning shortly after. Construction is expected to be completed during the winter of 2028-29.

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Both state and federal funding sources will be tapped for the project, according to the timeline.

For more information, contact Route36Corridor@dot.ny.gov.

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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Transforming Route 36 in Hornell: DOT to release latest info at forum