Main Street
Moves Forward
Main Street will officially reopen with two-way traffic and back-in angle parking on Friday, July 11—a key milestone in Cortland’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). These changes mark a major step forward in improving accessibility, safety, and vibrancy in the heart of our city.
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Whether you're driving, parking, shopping, or strolling—this updated layout makes it easier than ever to enjoy everything downtown has to offer.
➤ Two-Way Traffic is Coming
For the first time in decades, Main Street will be open to both northbound and southbound traffic. This change improves traffic flow, access to businesses, and the overall downtown experience.
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➤ New Back-In Angle Parking
Instead of pulling in headfirst, you’ll now signal, pull slightly past the spot, then reverse in at an angle. It’s easy—and it's safer for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers alike.​
Why Back-In Parking?
As part of Cortland’s Downtown Revitalization, Main Street is introducing back-in angle parking—a modern, proven approach designed to make our streets safer, smoother, and easier to navigate for everyone.
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Back-in parking is simple: signal, pull forward slightly past the spot, then back in at an angle. When it’s time to leave, you pull straight out with a clear view of oncoming traffic.
So, why make the switch? Here’s what you need to know:
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​Better Visibility
Unlike traditional pull-in parking, back-in parking gives drivers a clear line of sight when exiting their space. Instead of backing out blindly, you simply drive forward into the traffic lane with full visibility—helping prevent fender benders and near-misses.
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Safer for Kids and Cyclists
When you open your doors after back-in parking, they swing toward the sidewalk—not into traffic. That means children are guided safely onto the curb side, not the street. Cyclists benefit too, because there’s less risk of suddenly opening a door into a bike lane.
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Easier Loading and Unloading
Grocery runs? Strollers? Big haul from downtown shopping? Back-in parking brings your trunk closer to the sidewalk, making it easier to load and unload safely—away from traffic.
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Fewer Accidents, Better Flow
By improving driver visibility and positioning cars to pull forward into traffic, back-in parking helps reduce minor collisions and keeps cars moving more smoothly through Main Street. It’s a win for traffic flow and for your peace of mind.
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Designed for Safer Streets
Back-in angle parking follows New York State DOT specifications and best practices used in cities nationwide. It’s just one more way Cortland is putting safety and smart design first as we move Main Street forward.
Two-Way Main Street
Cortland’s Main Street redesign—including two-way traffic and back-in parking—has been years in the making. Here’s some background to help you understand how the decision came about:
Did the public have a chance to learn about the two-way conversion before it was decided?
After Cortland was awarded Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) funding, the City held multiple public meetings to gather input on which building improvement projects should be funded. However, by that time, the decision to convert Main Street to two-way traffic had already been made.
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Who made the decision to convert Main Street to two-way traffic?
The decision was made back in 2017, when the Common Council voted to adopt the recommendations of the Main Street Two-Way Conversion Study. This plan served as a guiding document for Cortland’s revitalization efforts.
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When the City submitted its DRI funding application that same year, it included the two-way redesign as a key piece of the vision for downtown.
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In March 2018, then-Mayor Tobin released the City’s full DRI Strategic Plan, which laid out the goals for the project—converting Main Street to two-way traffic with back-in parking, bump-outs, and mid-block crosswalks.
The plan’s goals remain the same today:
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➤ Enhance access to Main Street businesses
➤ Improve traffic safety and accessibility
➤ Promote walking as an alternative transportation option
Main Street is officially moving forward—and you’re invited to celebrate with us!
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Join your neighbors, local businesses, and the entire community on Thursday, July 17, for Meet Me On Main, an all-day street party welcoming Cortland’s new two-way traffic and back-in parking.
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What to Expect:
➤ Local vendors & pop-ups right on Main Street
➤ Live music all day long
➤ Downtown businesses offering specials, sales & treats
➤ Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 5 PM
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Bring your friends, family, and neighbors—grab lunch, shop local, enjoy the music, and see what’s new on Main Street.
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More details to come!
Parking Information
Along with the new back-in angle parking on Main Street, there are plenty of convenient City parking lots nearby for extra space. Whether you’re shopping, grabbing a bite, or enjoying one of our downtown events, you’ll find free municipal lots just steps away from Main Street’s shops and restaurants.
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Check out our map to see all parking zones, City lot locations, and helpful tips to make your next downtown visit a breeze.
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➤ Clinton Avenue
➤ Court Street Ames & Port Watson Street
➤ Groton Ave
➤ Main Street between Lincoln Ave and Groton
➤ Main Street, Central Ave, Central Ave & Court Street
➤ Orchard Street, Haskall Place and West Court Street
➤ South Main Street, Youth Bureau and William Street
➤ Suggett Park (Off of Madison Street) and Dexter Park (Off of Elm Street)