Endicott Project Reveals Historic Brick Pavement

A small part of Endicott's history dating back more than a century was revealed for a short time during an ongoing $1.6 million traffic signal replacement project.

Crews have been working over the last several weeks making preparations two install new signals at two Watson Boulevard intersections.

The antiquated signals at McKinley Avenue and Hayes Avenue are about to be replaced.

When old layers of pavement were milled on a section of McKinley Avenue a few days ago, some of the old bricks that once lined the road were revealed for the first time in several decades.

Historian Gerald Smith said brick pavement was commonly used in Endicott and elsewhere in the Binghamton area from around 1905 to 1925. Around that time, macadam pavement began to be used, covering the old bricks.

One of the workers on the traffic signal project was astonished that the brick paved areas that were visible north of Watson Boulevard were in good condition 100 or more years after they had been installed.

A spokesperson for the village said asphalt and concrete work at the two intersections should be completed by the end of July.

The traffic light poles needed to complete the project have been delayed. They are now expected to be delivered sometime in September.

Bothar Construction is the general contractor for the signal replacement project. McFarland-Johnson is handling the engineering work.

The next traffic signal upgrade in Endicott is planned for next year. That's when new equipment is scheduled to be installed at the intersection of Watson Boulevard and Oak Hill Avenue.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: We stopped by McKinley Avenue just before those old bricks were covered up again.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.