Federal Aid Transportation Projects
The traffic signal project will upgrade all of the City’s signal system in a 4-Corridor process. The goal of the project is to improve safety, provide synchronization of key signals, and increase the overall efficiency of the system. Both energy and time savings should be realized as a result of the project.
As of the fall of 2011, Corridors 1 and 2 of the project have been completed. 41 intersections on the City’s north and south sides were designed by Fisher Associates of Rochester, NY, with Power Line Constructors of Utica, NY completing construction. In addition to new traffic signals equipment, other improvements to the City’s infrastructure included fiber optics, wireless, and Ethernet communications.
Corridors 3 and 4 are now under design by C&S Engineers of Syracuse, NY, with construction slated for 2013-2014. These signals are located on the City’s east, west, and south sides.
The traffic signal upgrade project is funded with 80% federal funds, 15% state funds, with the remaining 5% provided by the City of Elmira.
This project was funded in late 2003 with TEA-21 Enhancement Funds. Construction is underway for a new multi-use trail along the City-owned Delaware, Lackawanna, & Western (Lackawanna) railroad corridor on the east side of Elmira. The trail will extend from the Chemung River north to Eldridge Park and east to Lake Street, largely making use of railroad corridors, City-owned Right-of-Way and property, and NYSDOT Right-of-Way. The project will convert an abandoned railroad corridor in the City of Elmira to bicycle and pedestrian use. An alternate transportation corridor free from the hazards of motorized vehicles will be created for commuters, stretching 3.5-miles through the northeast side of Elmira. The trail will be an all-season facility, able to accommodate bicycles, pedestrians, cross-country skiers, and snowshoe participants. As the trail will be paved with a 10′ wide asphalt surface, it will be largely barrier free and will accommodate those with disabilities.
The City of Elmira, in partnership with Chemung County, received funding to rehabilitate the former railroad bridge over Newtown Creek to extend the trail south to CR8 (Lowman Crossover.)
This project was funded in 2005 with SafeTea-Lu High Priority funds. The 1.5 million dollar project aims to reduce congestion along the North Main Street corridor, from W. 2nd Street to W. Washington Avenue. Improvements will include public off-street parking, traffic calming measures, and a complete roadway reconstruction. Emphasis will be placed on improving safety for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike. In a partnership with Elmira College, the College has agreed to pay the complete local share of the project. Construction on Phase 1 (W. 5th Street to Washington Avenue) was completed in the fall of 2011. Designer Bergmann Associates of Rochester, NY and Contractor J.F. and J.P. Wenzel of Elmira Heights completed phase 1 of the project.
Phases 2 and 3 have yet to receive construction funding. They will include a modern roundabout at the intersection of N. Main Street, W. 3rd Street, and Park Place. The roundabout will help to channelize traffic, while making pedestrian travel through the area safer and more convenient. The simulations below show how traffic will flow through the roundabout travelling North through the intersection and South through the intersection. The rendering shows the entire project.