Governor Kathy Hochul on June 10th, announced the start of an $18.4 million pavement improvement project on the New York State Thruway (I-87) in Rockland County. The work will cover more than 30 lane miles on a more than five-mile stretch between north of exit 14A (New Jersey - Garden State Parkway) to south of exit 15 (New Jersey – I-287 - NJ Route 17 South) in the town of Ramapo. Approximately 116,000 vehicles travel this corridor each day.

“New York State continues to invest into its transportation system by creating safe, reliable roadways that are used by New Yorkers and visitors alike,” Governor Hochul said. “Reliable transportation networks enhance daily commutes and boost local economies through the efficient movement of goods and services. By prioritizing these investments, New York State is paving the way to smoother, safer, and more sustainable travel for drivers on the Thruway.”

Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “This project is a critical investment in one of the busiest corridors on the Thruway system, extensively traveled by both commuters and commercial vehicles. We remain focused on using toll dollars to upgrade our aging infrastructure and modernize the state transportation system.”

As part of the Thruway Authority’s Capital Program, approximately $377.4 million is being invested in infrastructure projects in the Hudson Valley from 2024 to 2028. The Rockland County project will begin with full-depth pavement repairs, meaning crews will remove and replace the most deteriorated portions on the roadway (from milepost 24.0 to 29.4), down to its subbase in both the northbound and southbound direction. Covering more than 30 total lane miles, the repairs will improve the existing roadway’s structural integrity. Crews will also address less stressed areas of the roadway by removing the existing asphalt overlay and installing a two-inch asphalt overlay for an improved riding experience, including on the ramps to and from exit 14B (Airmont - Montebello - Airmont Road).

Safety improvements will include new guiderail, bridge joint work, drainage improvements, reflective line striping and replacing lane delineators. Paving operations will take place overnight on weekdays to reduce impacts however, motorists may still 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.

JRCRUZ Corp. is the project contractor following a competitive bidding process and the work is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

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 toll adjustment enacted in January 2024. 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.

Approximately 85 percent of the Thruway’s roadway base dates back to its original construction in the 1950s, highlighting the need for heavy maintenance, reconstruction, and rehabilitation activities to keep the riding surface in a state of good repair.

In 2023, motorists took more than 396.9 million trips and drove 8.1 billion miles on the Thruway, a user-fee supported roadway that receives no dedicated federal, state, or local tax dollars to cover the costs of operating and maintaining the superhighway. 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.

The Authority operates and maintains one of the safest, low-cost superhighways in the nation. The 570-mile Thruway system is funded by toll dollars, not state or local taxes.

State Senator Bill Webber said, “I’m honored to partner with Governor Kathy Hochul to improve Rockland County infrastructure. The $18.4 million allocated for road improvements in Rockland County will support a much-needed pavement improvement project on I-87. My fellow Rocklanders and I are grateful that our roads are being prioritized.”

Assemblymember John McGowan said, “This is good news for not only our local residents but, for all that travel on the New York State Thruway. Maintaining safe passage and given the volume of traffic that utilizes I-87 make this improvement project critical. My office enjoys a great working relationship with our local and state highway departments and applaud the implementation of this project. I urge all residents and travelers to be cognizant of the repairs and improvements as they progress through completion and to exercise caution and awareness for the crews on site.”

Assemblymember Karl Brabenec said, “The Town of Ramapo has long been waiting for revitalized highway roads in their area, and I’m thrilled that funding is being allocated for the project. Over 100,000 vehicles travel on this portion of the road every day, and the $18.4 million funding this project will help keep our roads strong and durable for years to come. I want to thank the Governor for her support on this matter, and the workers that will be completing the project by the end of this year.”

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.