Project Included Pavement Rehabilitation and Resurfacing
New Guiderail and Drainage Were Additional Improvements
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a $44.6 million pavement improvement project on the New York State Thruway I-87 in a critical corridor spanning Rockland and Orange counties used by approximately 92,000 vehicles each day. Overseen by the Thruway Authority, the work covered nearly 10 miles between exit 15, New Jersey - I-287 - NJ Route 17 South, in the Town of Ramapo in 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 said. “New York State continues to revitalize its infrastructure to provide motorists and commercial vehicles alike with a reliable roadway for generations to come.”
Starting last May, Yonkers Contracting Company, the project contractor, conducted full-depth pavement repairs, meaning crews removed and replaced the most deteriorated portions on a nearly 10-mile stretch of roadway (from milepost 29.4 to 38.7) in both directions, covering approximately 60 total lane miles and improving the structural integrity of the roadway. Crews installed a new two-course asphalt overlay to provide a smoother ride for motorists, installed new guiderails, and upgraded drainage systems and culverts.
Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “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 Authority’s approved 2024 Budget invests a total of $451 million to support its Capital Program, which is scheduled to invest $2.4 billion into capital projects over the next five years—a $500 million increase compared to the 2023 Budget. In 2022, motorists took more than 376 million trips and drove 7.7 billion miles on the Thruway system.
State Senator James Skoufis said, “Orange County commuters deserve dependable roadway infrastructure they can feel good about that doesn't pose risks to their safety or their vehicles. I applaud the Thruway Authority's completion of this $44.6 million resurfacing and safety enhancement project along I-87 before the holiday travel season gets underway.”
State Senator Bill Weber said, “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.”
Assemblymember Karl A. Brabenec said, “I am delighted to hear of the completion of this important project. This section of the Thruway is used by approximately 92,000 vehicles each day and covers nearly 10 miles in the Assembly district I represent, between exit 15 in the town of Ramapo in western Rockland County to the town of Tuxedo in southern Orange County. The pavement rehabilitation and resurfacing, installation of new guide rails, and upgraded drainage systems and culverts will make travel safer and more enjoyable for all!”
Rockland County Executive Ed Day said, “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.”
Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said, “Safe and reliable infrastructure is important to Orange County residents, especially for our commuters who utilize the Thruway daily. The completion of this project comes at the perfect time with the holiday season upon us and traffic increasing. I thank the New York State Thruway Authority for completing this work on Interstate 87.”