The US’ New York State (NYS) government has initiated a $61.5m pavement improvement project on the New York State Thruway, Interstate 90 (I-90), spanning Ontario and Monroe counties.
The project is set to rehabilitate a 4.3-mile stretch of the throughway, from just east of Exit 44 to west of Exit 45, which sees more than 60,000 vehicles daily.
NYS Thruway Authority executive director Frank G Hoare said: “The I-90 corridor in the Finger Lakes region is a busy section for commuters, tourism and the commercial trucking industry.
“Investing in these critical infrastructure projects enhances the safety and reliability of the Thruway system, offers some of the lowest toll rates in the nation for customers and maintains the Thruway as one of the safest superhighways in the country.”
Villager Construction, based in Fairport, New York, secured the contract through a competitive bidding process and aims to complete the project by late 2026.
To enhance the driving surface, a ‘crack and seat’ methodology will be applied on I-90 from milepost 347.1 to 351.4.
This process involves breaking the existing concrete pavement, compacting it with a heavy roller, and then overlaying it with asphalt. Following this, the area will receive asphalt paving on both the mainline and shoulders.
Additional upgrades include milling and resurfacing the asphalt on the interchange ramps at Exit 44 and 45, replacing the concrete median barrier, and installing a new digital variable message sign at milepost 349.51. This sign will offer real-time safety information to drivers.
The project also encompasses maintenance at four bridge culverts at designated mileposts.
Repairs to the bridge decks will be complemented with a waterproof membrane and asphalt surface.
Enhancements to bridge railings and drainage systems are also planned, aiming to prolong the lifespan of the throughway and culverts and to bolster motorist safety.
These culverts facilitate traffic on I-90 and beneath the throughway on Willowbrook Road, High Street, Victor Egypt Road, and Brownsville Road.
Detours will be in place during the closures of Willowbrook Road and Victor Egypt Road, with subsequent closures on Brownsville Road and High Street.
As construction progresses, motorists may experience lane closures, traffic shifts, and stoppages.
This follows an announcement last month of ongoing bridge revitalisation on the same throughway (Interstate 87) in Rockland County.
