Hochul announces $36.6M to improve NYS Thruway

Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced the start of a $36.6 million pavement improvement project on the New York State Thruway in Orange County. The work will cover 12 miles just north of exit 16 in Woodbury to exit 17 in Newburgh and includes partial and full-depth repairs.

”New York State is committed to rehabilitating aging infrastructure in tourism and commuter corridors,” Hochul said May 17. “This project will make critical safety improvements to [I-87] in Orange County, provide a safer driving experience for the millions of New Yorkers who drive on the Thruway every year, and modernize the state’s transportation infrastructure.”

Approximately 85% of the Thruway’s roadway base dates back to its original construction in the 1950s, highlighting the need for heavy maintenance, reconstruction, and rehabilitation activities to keep the riding surface in a state of good repair.

As part of the Thruway Authority’s Capital Program, approximately $377.4 million is being invested in infrastructure projects in the Hudson Valley from 2024 to 2028.

“Transportation is critical when it comes to public safety and economic development,” said Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus. “I welcome this major investment in New York State roads located in Orange County.”

State Sen. James Skoufis echoed those sentiments. “With the increased volume of traffic we have seen in recent years, this repavement project couldn’t come at a better time for Orange County, Skoufis said. “The 12 miles this will cover will have a real, measurable impact, helping to support and sustain the Hudson Valley. More than 50,000 vehicles travel this corridor in both directions each day, and this project will provide easier access to the exceptional region we call home.”

Assemblyman Christopher Eachus said the repairs will pay off in the long run. “In our region, the I-87 corridor connects tens of thousands of vehicles each and every day,” he said. “Whether commuters, passengers, or otherwise, the Thruway keeps us moving in Orange County. That’s why I’m proud that we will be investing $36 million for sweeping repairs, replacements and improvements to this vital thoroughfare. I’m confident this infusion of funding will drastically improve the structural integrity of the road for years to come, and make sure our residents are able to reach their destinations smoothly and safely.”

The Orange County project will begin with full-depth pavement repairs, meaning crews will remove and replace the most deteriorated portions on the roadway (from milepost 48.0 to 60.1), down to its subbase in both the northbound and southbound direction. Covering approximately 48 lane miles, the repairs will improve the existing roadway’s structural integrity. Crews will also address less stressed areas of the roadway by removing the existing asphalt overlay and installing a two-inch asphalt overlay for an improved riding experience.

Safety improvements will include new guide rails, joint repairs, reflective line striping and replacing lane delineators. Additionally, paving operations will take place overnight on weekdays to reduce impacts to motorists. The work is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

Following a competitive bidding process, Crisdel Group, Inc. was chosen as the project contractor.