On July 29, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the start of a $36.8 million pavement improvement project on the New York State Thruway (I-90) in Monroe and Genesee Counties. The work will cover nearly 54 miles between exit 45 (Rochester – Victor – I-490) and exit 47 (Rochester – LeRoy – I-490 – NY Route 19). More than 11 million vehicles travel this stretch of the Thruway annually, which serves as a critical gateway between Rochester and Buffalo.
“New York is undertaking multiple capital projects along the New York State Thruway to improve its aging infrastructure,” Governor Hochul said. “We are committed to investing in these critical projects to provide a safe travel experience for motorists.”
The project includes full and partial depth repairs to remove and replace deteriorated portions of the roadway from milepost 351.4 to 378.2 eastbound and westbound, increasing the road’s overall structural integrity for improved long-term rideability. The project also features a new asphalt riding surface for this stretch of the Thruway totaling approximately 108 lane miles. Crews will also resurface the interchange ramps at exit 46, all U-turns including their adjacent acceleration and deceleration lanes, the parking area at milepost 353.1 eastbound, and the Ontario and Scottsville Service Areas.
Other safety improvements include increased vertical clearance, installation of milled-in audible roadway delineators (MIRADS) or rumble strips, and upgraded drainage. New mile markers will also be installed.
Sealand Contractors Corporation, from Rush, is the project contractor. Work will primarily take place overnight and is scheduled to be completed next summer.
Currently, there are more than $126.1 million in capital improvement projects underway within the Thruway Authority’s Buffalo Maintenance Division which runs from I-90 in Ontario County to the Pennsylvania border, as well as the Niagara Thruway (I-190) from the Thruway mainline to Niagara Falls.
Over the next five years, the Thruway Authority’s Capital Program is projected to invest more than $420.1 million into the Western New York Region. Motorists are urged to be alert and follow the posted work zone speed limits. Fines are doubled for speeding in 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.
Provided information
