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bridgePatterson Bridge (the most direct route in and out of Corning from the west) is closed to traffic. For now it’s only closed to traffic leaving Corning (via Denison Parkway), but by the end of September, the bridge will be closed entirely until May 2014.  As traffic is diverted to the slower and smaller Pulteney St, I’ve already seen traffic jams, road rages, and accidents. Here’s some tips on how to avoid that.

Tip 1 – Timing is Key

If you can avoid a rush hour commute, you’ll probably enjoy life a little more than the rest of us. Morning and evening work commutes are frustrating at best. Lunch time can be downright narsty.

Tip 2 – No Left Turns (except at a traffic light)

Traffic both ways on Bridge St and Pulteney St is terrible (and we haven’t even closed the bridge both ways yet). Left turns onto either means crossing heavy traffic AND going into heavy traffic. It’s nearly impossible. If you are behind someone trying to take a left onto Bridge St or Pulteney St (which happened to me 3 times this week), you might be better off pulling a U and finding an alternate route. If you need to take a left onto Pulteney St or Bridge St, make it easier on yourself (and others) by going to an intersection with a light.

East Pulteney Red Lights

East Pulteney Red Lights

One of the hardest things is going to be using businesses that require you to take a left turn.  Thinking of going to Wegmans for lunch and then taking a left turn to leave? …Nope. Taking a left out of Fast Track onto Pulteney?… NOPE  NOPE NOPE. Left onto Bridge St from the end of Market St? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. You make me laugh because you so stoooopit.  Want another one to avoid like the plague?… How about the dreaded corner at Fazzary’s Liqueur Store (unless you’re driving towards Corning, in which case William St is an awesome shortcut… see below)

Tip # 3 – Reduce time on Pulteney St

There are ways to avoid sections of Pulteney St. Experiment and see what works for you. I’ve highlighted some popular options to 1) make your life easier, and 2) lighten the load for other drivers. Dodge Ave, Onodaga St, and W. Williams St are safe bets, especially if you live on the North Side.

Avoid Pulteney St

Avoid Pulteney St

Those directional arrows are showing what direction to go on a particular “short cut” street. If you’re planning on using those streets to pass sections of Pulteney, don’t go opposite of the arrows or you’ll end up at a difficult left turn (unless you live on or off of one of those streets). 

Tip 4 – Avoid Pulteney & Bridge St Altogether

Even if it seems a little out of the way, it’ll be smooth sailing to use route 86 to avoid the problem area altogether, if you can. It will also cut down on the load for drivers that do absolutely need it.

Tip 5 – Be Nice!

Calm the hell down and consider what other drivers are going through. For instance, if you see someone trying to take a left off of Pulteney, give them a break; even if they are at a light, there is likely no left arrow. They will feel terrible for holding up traffic just for driving home. Be nice and wave them through.

Myles Lasco

Myles Lasco

Former Website Director and Head Writer at Tacomatose.com
Myles started UrbanCorning.com and Facebook.com/UrbanCorning in 2008, and ran it until May of 2014. Myles moved to Tacoma, WA and his new website can be found at: www.tacomatose.com.
Myles Lasco
Myles Lasco
Myles Lasco

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