Current City Projects

Construction Update: College Avenue Reconstruction

PROJECT NAME: College Avenue Reconstruction 

PROJECT LOCATION: College Avenue from Mitchell Street to Dryden Road 

PROJECT START DATE: June 27, 2022 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This project will reconstruct College Avenue from Mitchell Street to Dryden Road, including new stormwater facilities, curbing, sidewalks, street lighting, street trees and fully depth pavement construction. The new street design will include wider sidewalks, new crosswalks, and a limited number of pull-offs for bus stops, deliveries and short-term parking.  

LOCAL IMPACTS: On Monday, June 27th, the City’s contractor, Seneca Stone Corporation, will close the street to through traffic to begin work on the project. With related construction of NYSEG’s underground electric system and installation of telecom facilities in the underground system, plus the adjacent construction of the Catherine Commons development, this construction is very constricted and only local traffic is allowed. Pedestrian ways and emergency access will be maintained, but everyone should be cautious and alert for construction activities in the area.   

DETOURS IN PLACE: Motor vehicle traffic should follow the detour posted using Eddy Street to the west. Southbound traffic should go right on Dryden Road, turn left on Eddy Street and left again on East State St. Traffic heading up East State Street should turn left at Eddy Street, turn right on Dryden Rd to College Ave. Traffic coming down Mitchell Street should continue to E State Street, turning right on Eddy Street, right on Dryden Rd to College Ave.  

PARKING RESTRICTIONS: There is no parking on College Avenue. People should not park on College Ave. Access to driveways will be maintained.  

SCHEDULED COMPLETION DATE: November 2022

For additional information contact:Tim Logue, Director of Engineering, Department of Public Works tlogue@cityofithaca.org, 274-6535

East State Street Mill & Pave Project

This project is focused on repaving East State/MLK Jr. Street from the Tuning Fork (intersection of State, Green and Seneca Way) to Mitchell Street and improving sidewalk conditions, including ensuring ADA compliance. The worst pavement conditions will be addressed with full depth reconstruction, while the rest of the project will be a two-course asphalt rehabilitation. In addition to replacing a fair amount of sidewalk and curb ramps, the project will also reconstruct a small retaining wall on the north side of the street between Schuyler and Stewart Place. The City is working with TCAT to identify transit improvements, especially bus stop enhancements. Pavement markings will be re-applied after paving – the City is considering locating the uphill bike lane between the parking spaces and the curb-line instead of on the current side next to the motor vehicle lane. Though this project was originally programmed for construction in 2024, the City, the New York State Department of Transportation and the Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation Council have coordinated to accelerate this project to 2023 construction due to deteriorating road conditions. Construction costs are estimated to be over $2 million and 80% of all eligible project costs will be reimbursable with federal aid. 

East State Street Mill & Pave Plan Draft Scope Documents

East State Street Mill & Pave Plan Image

East State Street Mill & Pave Cross Section Image

Walkable Ithaca: Giles St. Sidewalk Project

PROJECT START DATE: Monday, Mar 21, 2022 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND GOAL: The City of Ithaca’s contractor, O.H. Striping, will make improvements to new sidewalk segments and curb ramps along 500-900 Giles St. and 1100 East State Street. The project will primarily include new granite curb, sidewalks and curb ramps, retaining walls, and drainage improvements. All sidewalks and curb ramps are within the City of Ithaca right of way.  This project has been funded in part by the Climate Smart Community Grant Program, Title 15 of the Environmental Protection Fund through the NYS Department of the Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC). 

LOCAL IMPACTS: Beginning March 21st, Giles Street will be closed to thru traffic. A detour will be posted using East State Street (Rt 79), and S. Aurora Street (Rt 96) . Vehicular access within the road closure will be provided for people who live along Giles Street and for emergency responders. People walking or biking through the closure should use caution and obey directions from construction crews. People driving should use the detour or alternative routes and should expect additional travel times, especially in getting through the South Hill and East Hill neighborhoods. The City encourages commuters to flex travel times, rideshare and take public transport whenever possible.    

After a few weeks, the 1100 block of East State St. will be reduced to one lane and flaggers will provide alternating traffic flow in both directions.  People driving or biking should expect delays.  

SCHEDULED COMPLETION DATE: Fall 2022

PLEASE NOTE:  Construction, by nature, is subject to constant change, inclement weather, and unexpected findings.  

For additional information contact: John Licitra, Sidewalk Program Manager, City of Ithaca DPW - Engineering (607) 274-6534

South Albany Street Bridge Project
Draft Project Scoping Report: South Albany Street Bridge

South Albany Street Bridge Project Public Information Packet

Application Parcel 10

The City of Ithaca intends to file an application to the NYS Office of General Services to take title to a small piece of land at the entrance to the Farmers Market on the north side of the railroad tracks. This parcel was once under water and thus belongs technically to New York State. The City intends to use the parcel as an extension of Third Street.

Notice of Application Parcel 10 with map

Legal Notice

New sidewalks outside Sidewalk Improvement Districts

Addenda to City Code & Memo to Board of Public Works: Needed sidewalks not within Sidewalk Improvement Districts

Declaration of Lead Agency for Environmental Review

Fall Creek Drive- Environmental Assessment Form

Oak Avenue- Environmental Assessment Form

East State Street Retaining Wall Project

Documents regarding the East State Street Retaining Wall Project can be found here.

Hector Street Complete Street Project

You can find the Design Report for the Hector Street Complete Street Project here