The New York State Department of Transportation has announced the start of a long-term closure beginning May 12 along of a portion of Interstate 86, between Exits 21 and 23, a distance of about 7 miles. It is expected to last for approximately five months.

As a result of the I-86 closure, eastbound and westbound traffic will be directed to follow a posted detour using NY Route 417. Temporary traffic signals have been installed at the intersection of Route 417 and Business Route 219 at Exit 23 and also at the intersection of Route 417, also known as Wildwood Avenue and Route 219, also known Central Avenue) in the City of Salamanca.

“Due to the constraints of the job site and the proximity of the Allegheny River, the only feasible alternative to reconstruct this portion of the highway is to close both lanes in each direction”, said Darrell Kaminski, NYS DOT regional director.

This $21 million project to improve Interstate 86 began in March. All Construction is expected to conclude in fall 2014.