Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the commencement of an $18.4 million pavement improvement project on the New York State Thruway (I-87) in Rockland County. This project, which was initially reported by Monsey Scoop in November 2023, will cover more than 30 lane miles over a five-mile stretch from north of exit 14A (New Jersey – Garden State Parkway) to south of exit 15 (New Jersey – I-287 – NJ Route 17 South) in the town of Ramapo. The improvements are set to be completed by the end of 2024.
Governor Hochul emphasized the significance of this investment, stating, “New York State continues to invest in its transportation system by creating safe, reliable roadways that are used by New Yorkers and visitors alike. Reliable transportation networks enhance daily commutes and boost local economies through the efficient movement of goods and services. By prioritizing these investments, New York State is paving the way to smoother, safer, and more sustainable travel for drivers on the Thruway.”
Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare highlighted the critical nature of this project, noting, “This project is a critical investment in one of the busiest corridors on the Thruway system, extensively traveled by both commuters and commercial vehicles. We remain focused on using toll dollars to upgrade our aging infrastructure and modernize the state transportation system.”
The Rockland County project includes full-depth pavement repairs and resurfacing from milepost 24.0 to 29.4 in both the northbound and southbound directions. The project will enhance the structural integrity of the roadway by removing and replacing the most deteriorated sections down to the subbase. Additionally, less stressed areas will receive a new two-inch asphalt overlay, including on the ramps to and from exit 14B (Airmont – Montebello – Airmont Road).
Safety improvements will encompass new guiderail installations, bridge joint work, drainage enhancements, reflective line striping, and replacing lane delineators. To minimize disruptions, paving operations will primarily take place overnight on weekdays, though motorists should still anticipate lane closures, traffic shifts, and stoppages during construction. All work is weather-dependent and subject to change.
JRCRUZ Corp. has been awarded the project contract following a competitive bidding process, with completion expected by the end of the year.
As part of the Thruway Authority’s Capital Program, approximately $377.4 million will be invested in Hudson Valley infrastructure projects from 2024 to 2028. The 2024 budget allocates $451 million to support the Capital Program, which aims to invest $2.4 billion into capital projects over the next five years—a $500 million increase following the toll adjustment enacted in January 2024. This investment will address approximately half of the Thruway’s 2,800 lane miles and projects on 90 of its 817 bridges.
In 2023, motorists made over 396.9 million trips and drove 8.1 billion miles on the Thruway, a user-fee supported roadway that receives no dedicated federal, state, or local tax dollars for its operations and maintenance. Motorists are urged to remain alert and adhere to posted work zone speed limits, with doubled fines for speeding in these areas.
Governor Hochul has also implemented the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement pilot program to enhance safety. This program, effective since April 2023, uses speed cameras in active construction zones on the Thruway, with clear signage indicating enforcement areas. Violations result in fines mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner.
State Senator Bill Weber expressed his support, stating, “I’m honored to partner with Governor Kathy Hochul to improve Rockland County infrastructure. The $18.4 million allocated for road improvements in Rockland County will support a much-needed pavement improvement project on I-87. My fellow Rocklanders and I are grateful that our roads are being prioritized.”
Assemblymember John McGowan added, “This is good news for not only our local residents but for all that travel on the New York State Thruway. Maintaining safe passage and given the volume of traffic that utilizes I-87 make this improvement project critical. My office enjoys a great working relationship with our local and state highway departments and applauds the implementation of this project. I urge all residents and travelers to be cognizant of the repairs and improvements as they progress through completion and to exercise caution and awareness for the crews on site.”
Assemblymember Karl Brabenec shared his excitement, saying, “The Town of Ramapo has long been waiting for revitalized highway roads in their area, and I’m thrilled that funding is being allocated for the project. Over 100,000 vehicles travel on this portion of the road every day, and the $18.4 million funding this project will help keep our roads strong and durable for years to come. I want to thank the Governor for her support on this matter, and the workers that will be completing the project by the end of this year.”
For up-to-date travel information, motorists are encouraged to download the Thruway Authority’s mobile app, available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides real-time traffic and navigation assistance. Travelers can also visit the Thruway Authority’s interactive Traveler Map, featuring live traffic cameras, and sign up for TRANSalert e-mails for the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.