Thruway infrastructure repair completed in Kingston, Catskill

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- A $21.3 million infrastructure improvement project on the New York State Thruway between Ulster and Greene Counties has been completed. The repairs included pavement resurfacing and safety improvements between Kingston's Exit 19 and Catskill's Exit 21, according to Governor Kathy Hochul's office.

The 15.5-mile section of the thruway is used by around 40,000 drivers daily, connecting them from the Capital Region to the Hudson Valley. The work, which started in March, has been completed on-time and under budget, according to a release from the governor's office.

"New York is committed to investing in infrastructure projects to maintain a resilient and dependable transportation system that connects communities and supports our local economies," Governor Hochul said in a written statement. "The repairs and resurfacing as part of this project will improve rideability on a busy section of the Thruway in the Hudson Valley and improve quality of life."

The contractors, Callanan Industries, Inc. of Albany, removed and replaced deteriorated pavement, using around 48,000 tons of asphalt, in both directions of the road. They also reconstructed the shoulders in isolated locations.

Following the asphalt repairs, contractors relocated a U-turn at milepost 98 and installed new guide rails, reflective line striping and upgraded drainage and culverts. The Malden Service Area, on and off ramps and shoulders, were also repaved.

"Keeping our Thruway in top shape means safer, more reliable travel for the thousands of people who depend on it daily," Senator Michelle Hinchey, D-Saugerties, said in a statement. "These upgrades on I-87 will translate to smoother commutes and a big quality of life boost, especially for our neighbors in Greene and Ulster counties."

The project was expected to be completed later this fall. With an early completion, both Ulster and Greene County leaders shared their gratitude for the repairs.

"Greene County is very thankful and appreciative for the State's investment in maintaining and improving the most vital transportation corridor in our region," Greene County Legislature Chairman Patrick Linger said in a statement. "We thank and commend Governor Hochul for prioritizing the safety of our traveling public with these upgrades."

"We are thrilled to see these major improvements and enhancements to the stretch of I-87 through Ulster County, and I want to thank Governor Hochul for securing the $21.3 million needed to undertake this critical work," Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, echoed in her statement. "With approximately 40,000 motorists on this stretch of the Thruway every day, a well-maintained interstate roadway is vital to the safety of travelers and also contributes importantly to a flourishing tourism industry and economy in our county and region."

The work was paid for through the Thruway Authority’s Capital Program, which is expected to invest $2.4 billion — including $451 million in 2024’s budget — into infrastructure improvements over the next five years. The overall investment is expected to be $500 million increase following the recently enacted toll adjustment on the Thruway, according to the governor's office.