ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – A project to put new road and pedestrian signs up across Tompkins County is progressing.

President and CEO of the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce Jennifer Tavares says plans began over a decade ago.

The project was paused and tabled several times over the years, most notably during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tavares says they’ve recently completed designs but adds they’re still discussing sign size and the inclusion of iconography, which officials say could be distracting to drivers. They’ve added accents they feel are in line with the area’s character and are putting an emphasis on parking in the Ithaca area.

The Chamber has turned its focus to funding. They worked with a consultant recently to try get an early estimate of project cost.

Tavares is feeling good about the increased pace of the project and the estimated cost, saying it could come in under the original budgeted cost from 2013.

Tavares says they’re still a tremendous amount of work to be done.

In addition to plans and permitting, the signs will still need to be fabricated and ultimately installed. Discussions will continue.