Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $78 million investment in four New York State Thruway infrastructure projects spanning the Capital Region, Central New York and the Finger Lakes. The work includes pavement rehabilitation and safety upgrades on heavily traveled sections of I-90 and I-87.
“The Thruway system is a vital gateway for commuters, tourism and commercial traffic traveling through New York state and beyond,” Hochul said. “Making essential upgrades to our roads and bridges modernizes our transportation system, improves travel for motorists and keeps New York’s economy thriving.”
Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank Hoare said the projects are part of long-term investments funded by toll revenue.
“These investments will enhance safety and reliability for millions of motorists who travel on the Thruway every day,” Hoare said.
State and local lawmakers also praised the projects, citing improved safety, reduced vehicle damage and continued economic benefits from infrastructure upgrades.
Capital Region Work Targets Busy I-90, I-87 Corridors
Two Capital Region projects total $34.7 million and cover 77 lane miles.
I-90 in Albany County
A $15.8 million project is underway on I-90 between mileposts 148.2 and 154.3, near exits 24 and 25. The corridor carries about 125,000 vehicles daily.
Work includes full- and partial-depth pavement repairs, guiderail replacement, drainage upgrades, new reflective striping and improvements at the Guilderland Service Area. The project is expected to finish in fall 2026.
I-87 in Ulster County
An $18.9 million project spans I-87 between mileposts 76.5 and 86.6, between exits 18 and 19. About 42,000 vehicles use the stretch daily.
Improvements include resurfacing, bridge joint replacements, guiderail installation and culvert work. Completion is expected in fall 2026.
Central New York, Finger Lakes See $43M in Roadwork
Two additional projects total $43.2 million and cover more than 106 lane miles.
I-90 in Madison County
A $13.3 million project runs between exits 34 and 34A, covering 28 lane miles and serving about 39,000 daily motorists.
Work includes deep pavement repairs, milling and paving, service area improvements, drainage upgrades and vertical clearance adjustments at overpasses. Completion is expected in fall 2026.
I-90 in Ontario County
A $29.9 million project spans exits 42 to 44 and covers 78.4 lane miles, serving about 87,000 vehicles daily.
Improvements include resurfacing, guiderail replacement and safety upgrades such as reflective striping and shoulder rumble strips. The project is expected to wrap in summer 2027.
Work Zone Safety Measures in Effect
Motorists may encounter lane closures during construction. Officials urge drivers to slow down and follow posted work zone speed limits, which are doubled in fines.
New York’s Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement pilot program is also active in select construction zones, issuing fines to speeding drivers.
Long-Term Thruway Investment Plan
The Thruway Authority’s 2026 budget includes more than $600 million in capital contracts and a $2.8 billion five-year capital plan. The plan calls for bridge replacements, major resurfacing work and system-wide infrastructure upgrades.
About the Thruway
Built in the early 1950s, the Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway is one of the nation’s oldest and longest toll roads. Officials say it consistently ranks among the safest highways in the country, with a fatality rate well below state and national averages.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: $78M in NY Thruway upgrades underway. See where drivers will be impacted
Reporting by New York Connect Team, USA Today Network / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
