Governor Hochul Announces Start of $21.3 Million Infrastructure Improvement Project on the Thruway in Ulster and Greene Counties

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of a $21.3 million infrastructure improvement project on the Thruway (I-87) in Ulster and Greene counties. The project includes full and partial depth repairs, along with pavement resurfacing on a 15.5-mile section of I-87 from milepost 93.8 to milepost 109.3, between exit 19 (Kingston - NY Route 28 – Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge) and exit 20 (Saugerties - Woodstock - NY Route 32). Approximately 40,000 motorists use this stretch of I-87 in both directions every day.

“New York continues to make historic investments in our infrastructure to enhance the safety, durability and lifespan of our transportation system,” Governor Hochul said. “This is one of dozens of projects on the Thruway and state roadways that will make critical improvements to our system for generations to come.”

The project involves full and partial depth pavement repairs using asphalt, as well as shoulder reconstruction in isolated locations. Crews will remove and replace the most deteriorated portions of pavement down to its subbase in the northbound and southbound directions. This work will improve the existing roadway’s structural integrity. Crews will address less stressed areas of the pavement using partial depth repairs by removing only the existing asphalt overlay and installing a new two-course asphalt overlay. These repairs are intended to extend the service life of the pavement.

Following the full and partial depth repairs, a mill and inlay will be performed at the parking area located at milepost 103.1, the fuel areas the Malden Service Area as well as the on and off ramps, including shoulders, at exit 20. Additional work includes the relocation of a U-Turn at milepost 98.0 and safety improvements such as installing new guiderail, new reflective line striping, and upgrades to drainage and culverts.

Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Frank G. Hoare, Esq. said, “The Thruway Authority is investing in critical infrastructure projects to enhance safety and extend the life of the roadway, keeping the Thruway one of the safest superhighways in the nation. Toll dollars are invested back into the Thruway system and our Capital Program, to enhance safety and improve the riding experience for motorists.”

State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Ensuring our Thruway is safe and reliable makes a big difference for the thousands of people who drive it daily. These I-87 upgrades will be a particular quality-of-life game changer for nearby Greene and Ulster residents, and I thank Governor Hochul and Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Hoare for advancing these repairs, which will translate to smoother commutes for all of us.”

Assemblymember Chris Tague said, “I'm grateful that the governor has joined us to begin development of this infrastructure improvement project, which will certainly benefit all drivers going through Ulster and Greene Counties. Our interconnected roadways become more and more important with each passing day, so it is critical that they are adequately maintained, which is exactly what $21.3 million will do. I want to congratulate all those that helped us get to this point, and thank the governor once again for her partnership on this project.”

Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha said, “This $21.3 million infrastructure investment will make safety and structural integrity improvements on a stretch of I-87 that goes through our Assembly district. Almost 40,000 motorists use this part of the road every day, and I look forward to the completion of this project later this year.”

Callanan Industries, Inc. of Albany, NY is the project contractor following a competitive bidding process. The project is expected to be complete in Fall 2024.

Motorists may encounter lane closures on the highway along with traffic shifts and stoppages while construction is underway. All work is weather dependent and subject to change.

Motorists are urged to be alert and follow the posted work zone speed limits. Fines are doubled for speeding a work zone.

To further enhance safety for workers in a work zone, Governor Hochul signed legislation establishing the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement pilot program. The safety enforcement program began in April 2023 and is in effect in various active construction zones on the Thruway. Work zones with speed camera enforcement will have clear signage leading up to the work zone. Motorists violating the posted speed limit within the work zone will be fined. Violation fines will be issued to the vehicle’s registered owner by mail. More information on the program can be found here.

The Authority’s 2024 Budget invests a total of $451 million to support its Capital Program, which is expected to invest $2.4 billion into capital projects over the next five years—a $500 million increase following the recently enacted toll adjustment. The increased investment will lead to work on approximately half of the Thruway’s more than 2,800 lane miles as well as projects on approximately 90 of Thruway’s 817 bridges.

For up-to-date travel information, motorists are encouraged to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Travelers can also visit the Thruway Authority's interactive Traveler Map which features live traffic cameras. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails, which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.