Fair Street Construction Project Update

If you’ve driven to Carmel High School recently, you’ve likely noticed the construction on Fair Street.  

The $30 million road improvement project, which will significantly improve safety, traffic flow and infrastructure in the area, will widen Fair Street from Simpson Road to Route 52. It will also add sidewalks and streetlights from Hill and Dale Road to Route 52, fix drainage and create an additional lane for easier turning into and out of the high school parking lot. Construction started in September after years of delays and is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026. 

“I’m not going to pretend this project will be easy,” Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne said. “But it is essential for public safety and to make sure this road is sound for future generations.”   

Tommy Feighery, the county’s Department of Public Works Commissioner, said the county will try to minimize disruption during construction by scheduling some of the work when school is not in session.   

 He emphasized that Fair Street is an active construction zone and students, staff and parents should exercise caution while driving in the area. Even if construction activity does not appear to be taking place, the road will have steel plates in certain areas, which can pose a hazard. 

“If you can avoid Fair Street, avoid it,” he told a crowd of residents at a recent meeting. For those going to Carmel High School, of course, the detour is not an option.    

Carmel High School Principal Brian Piazza said that the construction would make the road safer in the end.  

“The construction will create challenges traffic-wise, but at its completion, the sidewalks and an additional turning lane will greatly benefit our school and community, especially in terms of student safety,” Piazza said.  

Michael Klenotiz, Carmel Central School District’s Supervisor of Transportation, said that good communication will go a long way toward keeping school bus traffic on schedule.  

“When the state DOT was working on Route 311, they sent us emails every week telling us what to expect,” Klenotiz said. “That was extremely helpful because it let us plan our routes accordingly. I hope the county will do the same.” 

For more information, see the county’s website.