CHENANGO COUNTY — The New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) announced it will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 28 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss plans to enhance safety at four sites on State Route 8 in the towns of Columbus, New Berlin, and Norwich in Chenango County.

The proposed project will widen traffic lanes and shoulders, improve sight distances, reduce curvature in the roadway, and install other features to enhance safety at each site.

The hearing will take place at the Unadilla Valley Central School Auditorium, located at 4238 State Highway 8 in New Berlin. Engineers will be available in person one hour prior to the start of the hearing to discuss the project and answer any questions.

The formal hearing will begin at 5:30 p.m., and include a PowerPoint presentation of the project plans followed by a public comment period.

The public may also attend the hearing online or by phone. To join online, open the project website at dot.ny.gov/Rt8Safety and click on the “Attend Live Public Meeting” link on the homepage.

To attend by phone, call 518-549-0500. When prompted, enter the access code 161 271 1465 and password 7688 3843. To request an assistive listening device or other special accommodation, contact Susan Pitely at 607-721-8258.

Written comments and questions can be mailed to the project manager at the address below or emailed to Drew.Newby@dot.ny.gov. Comment forms, PowerPoint slides from the presentation, and other companion materials will be posted on the project website. Written comments are requested by Monday, October 10.

-Information provided by NYS DOT