OWEGO (WBNG) — The New York State Department of Transportation announced the widening of Interstate 86 on Thursday.

The Department of Transportation announced that a 32-mile stretch from Exit 60 in Waverly, NY, to Exit 67 in Endicott has been newly named.

“It is a great asset to have this interstate designation because of its notoriety on travel maps,” said State Senator Thomas O’Mara. “It just helps with economic development and greatly appreciates the safety improvements along the way.”

Converting this 32-mile section will improve driver safety, according to DOT Region 9 Director Andy Stiles. Interstate highways require more safety measures and will receive more extensive maintenance, he said.

“It has to do with the fact that the highway is designed for the higher speeds that you’re going to see,” Stiles said. “The curvature of the road, the height of the road, the widths of the lanes and the shoulders that cross the road.”

DOT workers removed the “Future 86” sign at the Owego rest stop Thursday morning and replaced it with the new I-86 sign.

O’Mara said this represents a major step forward in the ultimate goal of widening I-86 throughout New York State.

“It was great to put up the promotional signs for the Next 86 all those years ago,” O’Mara said. “But removing that and permanently registering Interstate 86 is just another step.”

O’Mara and Stiles said the designation will increase economic development for distribution centers, manufacturers and other interstate business opportunities.

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