In a significant infrastructure development, Governor Kathy Hochul revealed today the successful conclusion of a $44.6 million pavement improvement initiative along the New York State Thruway I-87, a vital transportation artery connecting Rockland and Orange counties. The thoroughfare, utilized by an estimated 92,000 vehicles daily, has undergone extensive enhancements overseen by the Thruway Authority. Spanning nearly 10 miles, the project extended from exit 15, New Jersey – I-287 – NJ Route 17 South, situated in the Town of Ramapo within western Rockland County, to the Town of Tuxedo in southern Orange County.
“This stretch of the Thruway is a critical corridor bringing New Yorkers through the Hudson Valley, and these investments in our infrastructure are essential to the people who rely on it every day,” Governor Hochul emphasized. “New York State continues to revitalize its infrastructure to provide motorists and commercial vehicles alike with a reliable roadway for generations to come.”
Commencing in May of the previous year, the Yonkers Contracting Company, the designated project contractor, executed comprehensive full-depth pavement repairs. This entailed the removal and replacement of the most deteriorated sections along the nearly 10-mile stretch of roadway, spanning from milepost 29.4 to 38.7, in both directions. The project covered approximately 60 total lane miles and significantly improved the structural integrity of the Thruway. Additionally, the project included the installation of a new two-course asphalt overlay to ensure a smoother ride for motorists, the deployment of new guiderails, and the upgrading of drainage systems and culverts.
Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Frank G. Hoare lauded the project, stating, “Tens of millions of vehicles travel this section of our entire system annually—for work, commerce, and leisure—and these improvements will make the driving experience that much easier for those using the Thruway or connecting to Interstate 287 or Route 17 in New Jersey. Lower Hudson Valley residents and visitors will benefit from this investment for years.”
The Thruway Authority’s approved 2024 Budget allocates a total of $451 million to support its Capital Program, slated to invest $2.4 billion into capital projects over the next five years, marking a $500 million increase compared to the 2023 Budget. In 2022, motorists logged over 376 million trips and covered 7.7 billion miles on the Thruway system.
State Senator Bill Weber commended the timely completion of the project, stating, “The timing couldn’t be better for the completion of this much-needed improvement project. This already busy stretch of the Thruway is only going to see increased traffic as we get closer to the holiday season, and it is good to know the work is done.”
Rockland County Executive Ed Day expressed appreciation for the Thruway Authority’s efforts, stating, “We appreciate the New York State Thruway for the completion of its $44.6 million Pavement Improvement Project. This section of the Thruway is traveled by 92,000 vehicles daily, many of whom are Rockland residents who rely on it heavily due to this county’s severely limited mass transit options to the city. We acknowledge the work of the state Thruway ensuring a smooth commute for our residents.”