A $98m infrastructure improvement programme has commenced on the New York State Thruway (I-90) in central New York, covering Onondaga and Cayuga counties.
The scheme targets approximately 61 lane miles stretching from just east of exit 39 (Syracuse – Fulton – I-690 – NY Route 690) to just west of exit 40 (Weedsport – Auburn – NY Route 34).
This segment accommodates around 38,000 vehicles travelling in both directions each day.
Work on the project will involve full-depth asphalt reconstruction along selected eastbound and westbound sections of I-90.
In these areas, crews will remove all existing concrete pavement before adding warm-mix asphalt in its place.
Other eastbound portions will see full-depth repairs on concrete surfaces, which will include the removal and replacement of the most deteriorated roadway down to its subbase.
According to a statement on the New York State website, these efforts are expected to strengthen the road and extend its service life.
Additional activities will address the concrete paving segments, including crack filling and diamond grinding, to provide a smoother driving surface.
The project will also deliver guiderail upgrades, install new reflective line striping, and place milled-in audible roadway delineators, commonly known as rumble strips, on the shoulders.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said: “New York is investing in vital infrastructure projects that strengthen our transportation system, support local communities and drive economic growth. We’re building on historic progress in revitalising transportation infrastructure, and we have another strong year planned ahead.”
Slate Hill Constructors, based in Warners, secured the contract for the works through a competitive bidding process.
The improvements, which are subject to weather conditions, are scheduled for completion in autumn 2028.
To improve worker safety during the project, Hochul has enacted legislation creating the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement pilot programme.
This initiative uses speed cameras in designated active work zones along the Thruway, with advance signage warning motorists. Those exceeding the speed limit in these areas will receive fines.
Further investment in the Thruway is outlined in the authority’s approved 2026 budget, which allocates more than $600m to capital contracts that year, more than $133.5m from the 2025 projection.
The budget includes a five-year, $2.8bn Capital Plan aimed at replacing or maintaining 150 out of 819 bridges, approximately 18% and resurfacing more than 1,500 of the Thruway’s 2,800 lane miles, amounting to about 6% of the network.
Thruway Authority executive director Frank Hoare said: “With a historic five-year Capital Program, the Thruway Authority is reinvesting toll revenue back into the system, maintaining the Thruway as one of the safest superhighways in the nation, with some of the most affordable toll rates.”
