Governor Hochul Announces $28.5 Million in Improvements Along Key Roadways in the Hudson Valley

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $28.5 million in improvements along two key highways in the Hudson Valley that will ease travel, enhance safety and improve accessibility for motorists and pedestrians. The work includes a $17.5 million project now underway to resurface an 11.5-mile section of Interstate 84, from the Bowen Road overpass in the Town of Kent to the Connecticut State line in the Town of Southeast, Putnam County. Work was also recently completed on an $11 million "Complete Streets" project along a 2.2-mile stretch of State Route 17 in the Village of Sloatsburg, Rockland County that will improve access to the village's downtown corridor and foster greater walkability and increased economic activity.

"We are committed to building back New York's infrastructure and doing so in a way that strengthens communities, brings people together and promotes vibrancy and economic growth," Governor Hochul said. "These improvements in the Hudson Valley will help make our streets and highways safer and more accessible to everyone. We will continue to provide funding for transformative projects like these, which are essential to revitalizing our economy and building back New York better than ever."

Interstate 84 Improvements Now Underway

The I-84 project will repair roadbeds and pavement joints to provide greater durability and extend the lifespan of road surfaces. Additionally, high visibility striping paint will enhance reflectivity in poor weather conditions. Survey work on the project has already begun and paving will start in July, following drainage and road joint work. The interchange ramps for Ludingtonville Road and State Routes 311, 312 and 121 will also be resurfaced.

Consistent with New York State's Drivers First Initiative, the project will minimize impacts to commuters. Paving operations will occur between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., and one lane will remain open in each direction. Nighttime traffic will be detoured during ramp closures. The eastbound and westbound Stormville rest area parking lots, which are popular stops for trucks and other commercial vehicles, will also be paved, requiring short-term, daytime closures of the rest areas. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

Completion of Work on State Route 17

State Route 17 is the main travel route through the Village of Sloatsburg, and improvements to the thoroughfare began in the spring of 2020. As a "Complete Streets" project, the State Route 17 work was planned and designed to consider safe, convenient access and mobility for roadway users of all ages and abilities. This includes children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. New left-turn lanes and lane configurations, along with updated traffic signals, crosswalks, sidewalk curb ramps, and drainage, were added along the highway.

Additionally, pedestrian curb ramps compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act were installed at all twelve intersections within the project area. Existing sidewalks along the corridor were also upgraded, and new sidewalks were installed on the west side of State Route 17 from Ledge Road to the Orange County line.

State Route 17 was reduced from four travel lanes to two at parts of the project to help manage traffic flow and enhance safety. Upgraded signals and crosswalks were also added to the following intersections:

• Eagle Valley Road
• Municipal Plaza
• Seven Lakes Drive

The project also included a left turn lane at Liberty Rock Road and a mid-block crosswalk to the south. The new crosswalk is controlled by a pedestrian activated traffic signal, also called a Hybrid Beacon Signal (HAWK). This traffic control device provides a protected pedestrian crossing, which stops traffic when the signal is activated.

Existing landscape was protected or re-established with similar species to enhance the aesthetic streetscape of the village. At the request of community members, four trees in front of the village's library were preserved and additional drainage basins were added to their existing system.

Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "We understand the transportation needs of all motorists utilizing interstates throughout New York State, which is why DOT is creating a more resilient transportation network and finding sustainable ways to increase the longevity and durability of our roadways, while benefitting the economy, local communities and interstate commerce."

State Senator Peter Harckham said, "Maintaining important infrastructure, like our roadways and bridges, needs to be a priority, as we continue to restore New York's post-pandemic economy. This new highway resurfacing project in Putnam County is much needed and will benefit residents and local businesses, as well as visitors to the area and interstate commerce. I appreciate Governor Hochul's strong commitment to investing in New York's transportation safety and continued economic growth."

State Senator Sue Serino said, "Investing in infrastructure is critical to ensure the safety and quality of our roadways here in the Hudson Valley which is why it has long been one of my top priorities in office. I thank Governor Hochul and our partners at the Department of Transportation for getting the project underway and I look forward to seeing it completed on time and on budget."

State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick said, “When a state roadway runs through a local downtown, we have a special obligation and opportunity to improve the local economy and quality of life with a Complete Streets approach that makes pedestrians and drivers safer. New York is making unprecedented investments in infrastructure, and I’m excited to see this major improvement in Sloatsburg.”

Assemblymember Sandy Galef said, "We hear a lot from our constituents about the state of our roads. It is always exciting when our thoroughfares get the funding they need. This is just one example of a necessary project being undertaken to improve conditions and enhance safety for motorists."

Assemblyman Karl Brabenec said, "We are so happy that this critical improvement project has been completed. The investment to the infrastructure of Sloatsburg will surely improve economic vitality and advance the renaissance of this beautiful village!"

Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell said, “Our residents really appreciate infrastructure improvements that keep our roads safe and make travel easier. Interstate 84 is an extremely busy road as it passes through Putnam County, so its upkeep is especially vital to our residents. We are grateful for the state’s attention to our roads.”

Rockland County Executive Ed Day said: “Today is a great day for Rockland County as we celebrate the highly anticipated completion of the NYS DOT Complete Streets Program, an impactful project which will benefit the village, county, and region by improving access to the many great small businesses that call the Village of Sloatsburg and Rockland home.”

Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht said, "We are grateful to Governor Hochul and NYS DOT for the 'Complete Streets' improvements to Route 17 in the Town of Ramapo. Sloatsburg has become a vibrant destination for dining, shopping, hiking, and cultural and recreational activities, and this enhancement will boost further economic growth as well as the safety and quality of life of our residents and visitors."

Village of Sloatsburg Mayor Peter Akey said, "The Village of Sloatsburg is extremely pleased with the Complete Streets Project and greatly appreciated the hard work, dedication and attentiveness that the NYDOT team provided to the village. This project has improved the access to our downtown corridor, now provides greater walkability and has immediately increased economic activity."

Motorists are reminded to switch lanes, if safely possible, or slow down significantly whenever encountering roadside vehicles displaying red, white, blue, amber or green lights, including maintenance and construction vehicles in work zones.

Motorists are urged to drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual's driver license.

For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

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