Two bridges that carry traffic between New York and New Jersey along Interstate 87/I-287 in Rockland County will receive a $19.4 million infustion. (New York State Thruway Authority)

Three bridge construction projects in New York worth $47.4 million were recently announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul, with each one intended to address aging infrastructure on key transportation routes.

Two of the projects address portions of Interstate 90. The higher-priced project allocates $20.5 million for replacement of a 1950s bridge that handles 24,000 vehicles daily in central New York. The bridge, situated along the New York State Thruway, is located midway between Syracuse and Albany.

The new bridge will feature improved safety barriers, clearer reflective line striping and fencing. The new single-span structure replaces the existing two-span bridge and will feature a full turn lane to enhance line-of-sight distance to traffic in adjacent intersections.

“The Thruway Authority is continuing our investment in replacing and rehabilitating bridges on the system that are more than 60 years old,” Frank Hoare, executive director of the New York State Thruway Authority, said April 4. “We’re putting toll dollars to work to improve the dependability of the Thruway system and enhance safety for all drivers.”

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Kathy Hochul

Hochul 

Construction is scheduled for completion by next fall.

A separate central New York bridge project along I-90 on the Thruway is the $7.5 million replacement of the Townline Road Bridge, which straddles the towns of DeWitt and Salina. The current structure, built in 1953, handles 12,400 vehicles daily.

“As construction season begins, New York is investing in infrastructure projects to replace and rehabilitate bridges on our roadways which will enhance safety for motorists for decades to come,” Hochul said March 28. “This bridge replacement project in central New York will improve travel and connectivity in the community and strengthen our transportation network.”

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Specific to commercial vehicle traffic, the new bridge will boast higher vertical clearances; in the eastbound lanes, clearance will increase to 16 feet, 7 inches from the current 14 feet, 3 inches. In westbound lanes, clearances will rise to 17 feet, 3 inches compared with the current 14 feet, 9 inches.

Other enhancements include pavement reconstruction, rebuilt road shoulders, a new safety guide rail and installation of a fence to deter blowing snow in winter storms. Project completion also is slated for this fall.

In addition, Hochul on March 24 announced a $19.4 million project to update two I-87 bridges along the Thruway. Both bridges were built in the 1950s on a freight corridor that handles 120,000 vehicles each day. The spans carry traffic between New York and New Jersey along I-87/I-287 in the village of Suffern in Rockland County near the New Jersey border.

“This much-needed project will improve the safety and reliability of this key transportation corridor while ensuring continued access for local and regional traffic,” N.Y. Assembly member Karl Brabenec (R) said. “The rehabilitation work, including necessary repairs and upgrades, will minimize disruptions by maintaining three travel lanes in each direction throughout the construction process. I remain committed to supporting initiatives that enhance safety and strengthen our transportation infrastructure for all New Yorkers.”

State Sen. Bill Weber (R)also backed the investments.

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“The improvements to these aging bridges on the Thruway are critical and will benefit thousands of commuters who travel them each day. I appreciate the state’s commitment to making these much-needed repairs,” Weber said.

The timeline for completion is projected for the end of next year.

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Thruway Authority spokesperson Khurram Saeed told Transport Topics, “The rehabilitation of these two highway bridges represents the New York State Thruway Authority’s ongoing commitment to enhancing our transportation network and ensuring that our motorists travel on safe and reliable roads. This project will improve the quality of our roadway for all those traveling through our state.”

“With the start of construction season upon us, we remind all motorists to slow down and use extreme caution when entering work zones for the safety of all highway workers.”