BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- The city's biggest construction project in recent years is finally complete.

Crews recently wrapped up work on the Front Street Gateway Improvement project. The idea was 10 years in the making but construction started two years ago.

Traffic was moving smoothly downtown Monday.

The $6 million improvements include a fully reconstructed roadway, along with new sanitary sewer and drainage systems. The nearby floodwall was also refurbished.

City officials hope the gateway will be a welcoming site for visitors.

"Moving forward incrementally, this is what we want to do with all of our neighborhoods, getting infrastructure, whether it be homes, whether it be demolitions, whether it be local neighborhood city parks. Getting things back together to keep business here," said Giovanni Scaringi, (R) Binghamton City Council - District 1.

New welcome signs have been installed in the city's main entrance from Route 17 and Interstate 81, and crews are working to clean up the entrance area with new greenery and lighting.