Thruway repairs begin in nearby counties

May 8—Gov. Kathy Hochul this week announced the start of a $13.7 million pavement improvement project on the Thruway (I-90) in Herkimer and Montgomery counties. The project includes full and partial depth repairs as well as the resurfacing of about 50 lane miles between exit 29 (Canajoharie — Sharon Springs — NY Route 10) and exit 29A (Little Falls — Dolgeville — NY Route 169). About 24,000 motorists use that section of I-90 every day, according to a media release from Hochul's office.

"I-90 is a vital Upstate corridor and it is essential that it remains safe for all," Hochul said. "This project will go a long way to ensure that New York's infrastructure continues to serve drivers, enabling New Yorkers and visitors alike to travel the region safely."

The project involves full and partial depth pavement repairs in both directions of I-90 between milepost 197.9 and milepost 210.3. Crews will remove and replace the most deteriorated portions on the stretch of roadway, down to its subbase. The repairs will improve the existing roadway's structural integrity, the release said. Mill and inlay will also be performed at all U-turns in that section, including acceleration and deceleration lanes, as well as the parking lots at the Iroquois and Indian Castle Service Areas, and on all 10 mainline bridges on that stretch of I-90. Additional work includes safety improvements such as new reflective line striping, installing rumble strips, on the shoulders, and upgrades to drainage, according to the release.

The project is expected to be completed 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, 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 release said.