Work has begun on a $6.7 million improvement project to the New York State Thruway in Orange County, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced yesterday. Work is expected to continue into next year.
The work will cover a 2.5 mile stretch between Woodbury to just north of exit 16 in Harriman. Work is expected to continue until spring of next year. Approximately 92,000 vehicles travel that stretch each day.
The project includes rebuilding three lanes of pavement both northbound and southbound by performing mill and inlay operations to a two-inch depth from milepost 43.5 to milepost 46, covering more than 15 total lane miles. Additionally, concrete slabs on the northbound ramps at exit 16 (Harriman – US Route 6 – NY Route 17) will be removed and replaced. Safety improvements include new guiderail, additional reflective line striping, and new audible road delineators on the shoulders.
“This lower Hudson Valley corridor is a central link for commerce in southern Orange County and motorists who use Route 17, and investing in this project will enhance safety and improve the riding surface for passenger and commercial vehicles,” said Hochul.
Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll explained, “This is a critical section of Thruway as it serves a significant and popular commercial hub in southern Orange County, including Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. We remain committed to investing in projects that provide a safe and reliable driving experience for commuters, tourists and businesses.”
State Senator James Skoufis said, “I am thrilled to see these needed improvements get underway and am grateful to local residents for their patience as the Thruway Authority completes this project on behalf of the 92,000 vehicles that ride this 2.5 mile stretch each day.”
Assemblyman Colin J. Schmitt said, “Local residents and visitors alike will benefit from this $6.7 million investment into the New York State Thruway in the Town of Woodbury for repaving and safety improvements. I join together with fellow government leaders to fully support this project and the positive impacts it will have on this heavily traveled stretch of roadway which serves as a gateway to the Hudson Valley and all of upstate New York.”
Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said, “This is an important project for Orange County commuters and visitors alike and I thank the governor for addressing this vital hub on the Thruway. These improvements will allow us to continue to market this economically vital corridor for growth with attractions such as the Woodbury Commons and Legoland New York on display.”
All of the work will take place overnight to reduce impacts to traffic and is expected to be completed in spring 2023. 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. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.
The project is being contracted out to Kubricky Construction Corp., of Wilton, N.Y..
