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NY’s Thruway improvement project: a win-win for locals and infrastructure

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6 months ago

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NY’s Thruway improvement project: a win-win for locals and infrastructure

On Monday Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the start of a $13.7 million thruway improvement project in Herkimer and Montgomery counties, which is expected to wrap up this fall. 

Anticipated road work is a part to a larger whole; the Thruway Authority’s Capital Program is projected to invest $395.5 million in Central NY infrastructure rehabilitation over the next four years. 

According to state officials, pavement improvement will take place along the I-90 corridor as well as depth repairs and resurfacing of 50 lane miles between exit 29 (Canajoharie – Sharon Springs – NY Route 10) and exit 29A (Little Falls – Dolgeville -NY Route 169). 

Hochul released a statement which acknowledged that nearly 24,000 motorists each day rely on the soon-to-be repaired section of the Thruway.

“I-90 is a vital Upstate corridor and it is essential that it remains safe for all,” said Hochul. “This project will go a long way to ensure that New York’s infrastructure continues to serve drivers, enabling New Yorkers and visitors alike to travel the region safely.”

Repairs to expect

Heidelberg Materials Northeast-NY LLC of Jamesville was selected as the project contractor through a competitive bidding process.

As maintained by state officials, the project will involve pavement repairs in both directions of I-90 between milepost 197.9 and milepost 210.3, down to the sub base of the roadway. Additionally, mill and inlay will be performed at U-turns and acceleration/deceleration lanes, parking lots at the Iroquois and Indian Castle Service areas, as well as all 10 mainline bridges located on the corridor. 

Other safety improvements will include new reflective line striping, installation of milled-in audible roadway delineators or rumble strips on the shoulders, and drainage upgrades.

Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare and Assemblyman Robert Smullen, R-Johnstown, both welcomed the investment in critical infrastructure improvements to the region. 

“The Thruway Authority is committed to investing in infrastructure projects to enhance safety and reliability on our 70-year-old system,” Hoare said in a statement. “The I-90 corridor in Central New York is a gateway for motorists and the commercial trucking industry to the Northeast and beyond. This project, along with many other capital projects happening on the Thruway, will improve the travel experience for motorists across the state.”

Smullen agreed, regarding the announcement as “exciting” and “essential.” 

“Removing deteriorated portions of the Thruway, completing pavement repairs and reinforcing its structural integrity are all critical measures to be taken now rather than years down the road when safety becomes an issue due to hazardous conditions,” Smullen said in a statement. 

Riders’ resources

Lane closures, stoppages and traffic shifts may be encountered while construction is underway.

Commuters are urged to follow posted speed limits in work zones where violation fines are doubled. 

In April 2023 the state launched the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement pilot program, which implemented cameras to various construction areas on the Thruway. Violating posted speed limits in posted areas results in fines issued to the vehicles registered owner by mail. 

Up-to-date travel information can be found online or by downloading the Thruway Authority’s free traveler mobile app. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails, which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway. 

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