Governor Hochul Announces Start of $61.8 Million Pavement Improvement and Bridge Rehabilitation Project on I-95 in the Bronx and Westchester County

11 Bridges to be Rehabilitated and Two Pedestrian Bridges to Have Superstructures Replaced — Improving the Travel Corridor Used by 120,000 Vehicles Each Day

Work Scheduled to be Completed by End of 2024

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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of a $61.8 million pavement improvement project on a four-mile stretch of the New England Thruway I-95 in the Bronx and Westchester County. The majority of the work will take place in the Bronx and includes the rehabilitation of 11 bridges and the replacement of the superstructures — concrete decks and steel beams — of two pedestrian bridges. Approximately 120,000 vehicles use this heavily traveled corridor each day.

"New York State is committed to rehabilitating aging infrastucture in communities that have gone overlooked for far too long," Governor Hochul said. "This project will make critical safety improvements to I-95 in the Bronx and Westchester County and provide not only a safer driving experience for the millions of New Yorkers who drive on the highway every year, but also modernize the state's transportation infrastructure."

The I-95 project will begin with full-depth pavement repairs, meaning crews will remove and replace the most deteriorated portions on a four-mile stretch of roadway (milepost 0 to 4.0), down to its subbase in both the northbound and southbound direction. Covering more than 24 total lane miles, the repairs will improve the roadway's structural integrity. After the concrete pavement is repaired, a two-course asphalt overlay will be installed to provide a smoother ride for motorists.

Paving operations and the majority of work will take place overnight to reduce impacts to motorists.

The other major component of the project is extensive bridge work. Crews will rehabilitate 10 vehicular bridges/ramps and one pedestrian bridge and remove and replace the superstructure on two pedestrian bridges over I-95 in the Bronx (one at 222nd Street and another at Dyre Avenue). Each bridge superstructure replacement will occur over a 48-hour period on a weekend with free shuttle bus service provided during the closures. Those dates and further details will be announced at a later date.

In addition, safety improvements will include new guiderail, additional reflective line striping and upgrades to concrete barriers and curbs. All work is expected to be completed by the end of the 2024.

Restani Construction Corp., of Queens, N.Y., is the project contractor following a competitive bidding process.

Thruway Authority Interim Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, "Interstate 95 is a vital link for residents and commerce between New York City and New England, and rehabilitating this section will bring long-term improvements, improve community connections, and enhance the driving surface for the more than 40 million passenger and commercial vehicles who travel the corridor each year. This project is another example of strategically investing our toll revenue to meet the evolving needs of motorists and commerce across the tri-state region."

State Senator Jamaal Bailey said, "Commuters familiar with this stretch of the I-95 are well aware of the deteriorating conditions that have long raised safety concerns for our community. By undertaking this much-needed pavement improvement project, we are taking a significant stride towards enhancing safety for daily commuters in the Bronx and Westchester County, while also benefiting the economic health and well-being of our entire community for residents and businesses alike. This project is an investment in our communities and will have a positive impact on our region's infrastructure and economic growth for years to come. I want to thank the New York State Thruway Authority for their commitment to investing in our communities, and I look forward to the successful completion of this vital project."

State Senator Nathalia Fernandez said, "These much-needed improvements are welcomed greatly. This will go a long way to creating smoother commutes for so many who use the I-95 corridor through the Bronx and Westchester. I also commend the project for doing most of the work at night as to not affect daytime and rush hour traffic."

Assemblymember Amy Paulin said, "The I-95 pavement improvement project, which goes through my district in New Rochelle and Pelham, and includes on and off ramps which badly need repair, is welcome news for the thousands of residents who rely on I-95 each day. I will continue to advocate for state infrastructure improvement projects like this which help residents and support our economy."

Assemblymember Michael Benedetto said, "I am delighted to hear that much needed pavement improvements will be coming to the I-95 stretch in my district as well as the structural upgrades to pedestrian walk bridges which my constituents cross daily."

New York City Council Member Kevin C. Riley said, "We applaud the New York State Thruway Authority for heeding our calls for improvements to the New England Thruway. This plan will improve safety for both drivers and pedestrians alike in the area that interlaces our corner of the Northeast Bronx. The project's commitment to significantly rehabilitate the Baychester and Dyre Avenue pedestrian bridges will help connect neighborhoods in Co-op City, Baychester, and the Valley. The roadway repairs in the East Bronx and Lower Westchester are equally vital for commuters and drivers who live, work, or provide goods in our community. A special thank you to the Thruway Authority staff and partners in New York State government who made this project possible and secured such significant funding. Together, we can do so much more."

Bronx Community Board #10 District Manager Matt Cruz said, "Our Bronx communities are delighted that the I-95's pavement repair project is commencing. This much-needed repair will improve roadway conditions and make safer one of the busiest highways in the State of New York. On behalf of Bronx Community Board #10, I thank Governor Hochul and the New York State Thruway Authority for this commitment."

Motorists may encounter lane closures on the New England Thruway along with traffic shifts and stoppages while construction is underway. Motorists should follow the posted work zone speed limits and are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual's driver license.

The Authority's approved 2023 Budget invests a total of $413 million to support its Capital Program, which is scheduled to invest $1.9 billion into capital projects through 2027.

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 emails, which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.