Arterial Project Public Hearing Held at State Office Building

The New York State Department of Transportation discussed the Utica North-South arterial project this evening at a public hearing.  The project is to be divided into three phases and is expected to be complete in the next six years. The project is expected to help the flow of traffic, lessen the number of car crashes, and repair the deteriorated bridge.  It's also expected that the $62 million project will force some residents and business owners to move.  Residents gathered at the hearing, to hear a presentation by the DOT and to voice concerns.

            But some of the people we spoke with seemed very pleased that the project is finally going to happen, including Whitesboro resident William Chromzak, whose property will be affected. "I think it will help the center of Utica," he says, "and help with the Route12 problems we're having." 

            Demolition and construction is supposed to begin in 2013.