On October 25, 2024, at approximately 5:25 AM, a significant traffic incident occurred on NY 26, affecting both directions between Old State Road 26 in Otselic and County Road 16. The crash involved a single vehicle that collided with a utility pole, causing the pole and accompanying wires to fall onto the roadway. This incident resulted in a complete blockage of all lanes on NY 26. Emergency services, including Chenango 911, were promptly notified, and NYSEG was dispatched with an estimated arrival time of 30 minutes to address the downed pole and wires.
Due to the blockage, traffic diversions were implemented for both southbound and northbound vehicles. Southbound traffic on NY 26 was rerouted via County Road 16 to Stage Road, then back to State Route 26, continuing to Bucks Brook Road, and finally returning to Old State Road 26. Conversely, northbound traffic was diverted to Bucks Brook Road, then to Ridge Road, and onto County Road 16 before rejoining State Route 26.
The incident took place in the scenic region of Chenango County, known for its rural landscapes and small communities. The affected area is a vital corridor for local commuters and travelers, making the swift response and rerouting essential to minimize disruption. The surrounding roadways, including Bucks Brook Road and Ridge Road, provided alternative routes to ensure continued traffic flow while emergency crews worked to clear the scene and restore normalcy to the affected stretch of NY 26.