(WNY News Now) – Chautauqua County – Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the commencement of a $45 million pavement rehabilitation and safety enhancement project on the New York State Thruway (I-90) in Chautauqua County. This significant investment aims to revitalize nearly 35 miles of the Thruway, spanning from exit 59 (Dunkirk – Fredonia – NY Route 60) to exit 60 (Westfield – Mayville – NY Route 394).
“New York State continues to invest in rebuilding and improving our infrastructure, ensuring that our roads, bridges, and public transportation systems are safe, reliable, and efficient for all residents and visitors,” said Governor Hochul. “This project is one of many that the Thruway Authority is undertaking to improve the daily lives of New Yorkers while also connecting essential commerce and travelers to principal cities, rural areas, and tourist destinations throughout the Northeast.”
Key Project Features
Pavement Rehabilitation: The project includes full and partial depth repairs to deteriorated road sections, enhancing structural integrity and long-term rideability. The new asphalt riding surface will replace two layers of existing pavement, covering approximately 69 lane miles. Interchange ramps at exits 59 and 60, along with all U-turns, will also be resurfaced.
Vertical Clearance Improvements: Enhancements to 16 bridge locations will prevent future bridge strikes, ensuring safer passage for over-height vehicles.
Safety Upgrades: The implementation of “Recess Triple Drop” pavement striping, which is more visible in various lighting and weather conditions, along with new guiderail, pier protection, and delineator markers, will further improve road safety.
Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “This project is another example of the Thruway Authority’s commitment to reinvesting toll dollars into rebuilding and modernizing the 70-year-old Thruway system. The investment will lead to a smoother ride and enhance safety for the millions of drivers that travel through this region each year.”
State Senator George M. Borrello said, “It is exciting news that extensive improvements are set to begin on the stretch of Thruway between exit 59 and exit 60. There is obvious wear and deterioration on this section of roadway which affects the driving experience and safety of the nearly 8 million vehicles that travel this portion of the Thruway each year. The $45 million in funding dedicated to the project is a needed infrastructure investment that will result in a safer, better Thruway while complementing other key improvements taking place in our region. Many thanks go out to Governor Hochul for her ongoing support of our transportation sector in Western New York.”
Assemblymember Andy Goodell said, “Governor Hochul’s announcement about this funding is greatly appreciated. Upgrades to the NYS Thruway in Chautauqua County are essential to the quality of life and safety of not only our residents but for everyone who travels through our beautiful county. The timing is ideal as we head into summer travel season.”
Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel, Jr. said, “This $45 million pavement revitalization project on the New York State Thruway, is a significant step towards enhancing the travel experience for our county residents as well as the more than 7.8 million vehicles that navigate this route each year. This project includes resurfacing as well as significant safety improvements including “Recess Triple Drop” pavement striping, which is more visible in all lighting and weather conditions. These upgrades, along with new guiderails and safety markers, underscore a dedication to safety and infrastructure excellence. This is a significant step towards a safer and more efficient Chautauqua County. Governor Hochul’s support has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition, and we are confident that these improvements will serve our community well into the future.”
Oakgrove Construction, Inc. from Elma, NY is the project contractor following a competitive bidding process. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
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 it and motorists violating the posted speed limit within the work zone will be fined. More information on the program can be found here.
For up-to-date travel information, motorists are encouraged to download the Thruway Authority’s mobile app which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Travelers can also visit the Thruway Authority’s interactive Traveler Map for real-time traffic updates and sign up for TRANSalerts for traffic information.with all U-turns, will also be resurfaced.
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