Thruway To Repave 10 Miles Spanning Rockland, Orange Counties

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — A multimillion-dollar pavement improvement project is set for the New York State Thruway spanning Rockland and Orange counties.

The state Thruway Authority announced Monday a $44.6 million pavement improvement project that will cover nearly 10 miles between exit 15 (New Jersey - I-287 - NJ Route 17 South) in the town of Ramapo in western Rockland county to the town of Tuxedo in southern Orange County.

It will also include rehabilitating the pavement by performing full-depth repairs.

The authority estimates about 92,000 vehicles use this heavily traveled corridor each day.

Thruway Authority Interim Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said this section of the interstate is one of the more heavily traveled in the entire system, connecting the Thruway to Route 17.

“This project will enhance the travel experience for residents and visitors alike,” he said. “These improvements are investments in the future of the Hudson Valley.”

The work will begin with full-depth pavement repairs, meaning crews will remove and replace the most deteriorated portions on a nearly 10-mile stretch of roadway — from milepost 29.4 to 38.7 — down to its subbase in both the northbound and southbound direction.

Repairs, covering about 60 total lane miles, will improve the existing roadway’s structural integrity. Crews will also address less stressed areas of the roadway by removing the existing asphalt overlay and installing a new two-course asphalt overlay to provide a smoother ride for motorists.

In addition, there will be safety improvements including new guiderails, additional reflective line striping and upgrades to drainage systems and culverts.

Some of the work, such as new guiderails, began last fall. Paving operations will take place this year and occur overnight to reduce impacts to motorists. All work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

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.

Motorists are urged to be alert and follow the posted work zone speed limits and are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. 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's license.