AUBURN — The state Department of Transportation on Wednesday provided a glimpse of a multi-year project — one that could cost up to $31 million — to improve a 2.67-mile stretch that includes the Arterial and a portion of Grant Avenue.
Brionna Naber, an engineer with the state Department of Transportation who is serving as the project manager, detailed the plan during a brief presentation to open the public information meeting.
Project area
The work will include repaving Routes 5 and 20 from Route 326 in the town of Aurelius to the intersection of Grant and Standart avenues in Auburn.
Both directions of the Arterial, which runs through the city, will be repaved.
Arterial East in Auburn.
Timeline
The project is in the design phase, and that process will continue this year. Bids will be sought from potential contractors in early 2026, with construction beginning later that year.
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Construction will continue into 2027, when the project is expected to be completed.
Grant Avenue looking east in Auburn.
Other improvements
In addition to the paving work, drainage pipes will be repaired or replaced.
Video detection will be added to 10 traffic signals along the route, which Nabor said would provide more control over traffic flow. Three traffic signals already have this technology.
Pavement markings will be updated to meet current standards.
Older guide rails and curbs will be replaced. Crews will also remove hazardous trees and make some landscaping improvements.
The Arterial on Grant Avenue looking east in Auburn.
Upgrades for pedestrians
Sidewalks that are damaged or don't comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act will be replaced. Curb ramps will also be updated to meet ADA standards.Â
Audible pedestrian signals will be installed and crosswalks will be restriped to improve visibility, according to Naber.
Arterial West in Auburn.
Detours?
There will be temporary lane and shoulder closures, according to the state Department of Transportation. But Naber said detours are not expected.
Some nighttime work will be needed in areas where there are higher traffic volumes.
The Arterial at Grant Avenue and Seymour Street looking east in Auburn.
Who is paying for it?
According to the state Department of Transportation, it is a federally funded project. The city of Auburn will not be responsible for funding the work.
Government reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 664-4631 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on X @RobertHarding.
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