Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Mar. 25 that major construction is beginning on the $64.1 million Hornell Gateway Corridor Project, which aims to upgrade State Route 36 in Steuben County and improve access to the City of Hornell and surrounding areas. The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will lead the project, which will reconstruct nearly three miles of highway, reconfigure intersections, and introduce features designed to enhance safety for residents while improving traffic flow for travelers.
The project is considered one of the largest infrastructure undertakings by NYSDOT in the Southern Tier region and is expected to benefit both local communities and visitors by supporting economic growth and improving quality of life. Plans include a new shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as changes intended to direct truck traffic away from local streets.
“The City of Hornell is a gem of the Southern Tier and this project will be nothing short of transformational for the Maple City,” Governor Hochul said. “From better access to Alstom and Wegmans, to new pavement and miles of new shared use paths, we are ready to get to work to enhance safety, shore up much needed infrastructure and make Hornell a better place to live, work and raise a family.”
NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “This generational Hornell Gateway Corridor Project will be a game changer for the City of Hornell… We are ready to break ground and transform State Route 36 into a state-of-the-art transportation hub for the City of Hornell that will better serve all users… fuel economic activity and bring new opportunities for commerce and recreation.” Senator Charles Schumer added support by saying millions from his Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law are helping ensure smooth access throughout the city.
Phase one focuses on rehabilitating southbound lanes with upgrades such as drainage improvements, narrowed intersections for safer pedestrian crossings, upgraded signals, bridge repairs over waterways including Canisteo River, installation of multi-use paths up to 12 feet wide in some areas connecting with regional trails, improved plaza entrances near businesses like Wegmans, additional lighting between Adsit Street and Bethesda Drive, new roundabouts at key intersections such as Webbs Crossing Road—and more. This phase is scheduled through fall 2027; northbound lane work follows during subsequent construction seasons.
Community leaders welcomed these developments: Mayor John Buckley called it “a once in a generation investment that will strengthen our community,” highlighting its benefits for safety, accessibility,
and future economic development; Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler emphasized how vital infrastructure upgrades would support long-term growth; Town Supervisor Dan Broughton pointed out improved plaza access; Deputy Mayor Joe Flint noted anticipated economic improvements across neighboring municipalities.
Looking ahead,
the second phase—currently under design—will address additional pedestrian crossings,
extend sidewalks,
and further improve connections between industrial sites within city limits,
going out
to bid in 2027.