New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced April 21 the start of a $61.8 million pavement improvement project on a 4-mi. stretch of the New England Thruway/Interstate 95 in the Bronx and Westchester County.
Most of the work will take place in the Bronx and includes the rehabilitation of 11 bridges and the replacement of the superstructures (concrete decks and steel beams) of two pedestrian bridges. Approximately 120,000 vehicles use this heavily traveled corridor each day.
"New York State is committed to rehabilitating aging infrastructure in communities that have gone overlooked for far too long," Hochul said in a statement. "This project will make critical safety improvements to I-95 in the Bronx and Westchester County and provide not only a safer driving experience for the millions of New Yorkers who drive on the highway every year, but also modernize the state's transportation infrastructure."
Effort Includes Pavement Upgrades, Extensive Bridge Rehab
The rehabilitation of I-95's surface will begin with full-depth pavement repairs, meaning crews will remove and replace the most deteriorated portions on a 4-mi. stretch of roadway down to its subbase in both the northbound and southbound direction. Covering more than 24 total lane miles, the repairs will improve the roadway's structural integrity. After the concrete pavement is repaired, a two-course asphalt overlay will be installed to provide a smoother ride for motorists.
Paving operations and the bulk of the work will take place overnight to reduce impacts to motorists.
The other major part of the project is its extensive bridge work. Crews will rehabilitate 10 vehicular bridges/ramps and one pedestrian bridge as well as remove and replace the superstructure on two pedestrian bridges over I-95 in the Bronx (one at 222nd Street and another at Dyre Avenue).
Each bridge superstructure replacement will occur over a 48-hour period on a weekend with free shuttle bus service provided during the closures.
In addition, safety improvements will include new guiderails, additional reflective line striping, and upgrades to concrete barriers and curbs.
"Interstate 95 is a vital link for residents and commerce between New York City and New England, and rehabilitating this section will bring long-term improvements, improve community connections, and enhance the driving surface for the more than 40 million passenger and commercial vehicles who travel the corridor each year," explained NYS Thruway Authority Interim Executive Director Frank G. Hoare.
"This project is another example of strategically investing our toll revenue to meet the evolving needs of motorists and commerce across the tri-state region."
Restani Construction Corp., of Queens, N.Y., is the prime contractor following a competitive bidding process.
All work is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, according to the NYS Thruway Authority.
Local Politicians Welcome Thruway Improvements
"Commuters familiar with this stretch of the I-95 are well aware of the deteriorating conditions that have long raised safety concerns for our community," noted New York State Sen. Jamaal Bailey, D-36th District. "By undertaking this much-needed pavement improvement project, we are taking a significant stride toward enhancing safety for daily commuters in the Bronx and Westchester County, while also benefiting the economic health and well-being of our entire community for residents and businesses alike."
Bailey, whose constituents live in the Bronx neighborhoods of Co-op City, Wakefield, Woodlawn, Pelham Gardens, Edenwald, Eastchester and Baychester, along with the Westchester County city of Mount Vernon, added that the roadway improvements on I-95 "will have a positive impact on our region's infrastructure and economic growth for years to come. I look forward to the successful completion of this vital project."
His colleague in the New York State Senate, Nathalia Fernandez, D-34th, noted that the road and bridge upgrades will help create smoother commutes for drivers that use the I-95 corridor through the Bronx and Westchester.
"I also commend the project for doing most of the work at night so as not to affect daytime and rush hour traffic."
North of the Bronx, in the 88th Assembly District, which includes New Rochelle and Pelham, veteran Democratic Assemblymember Amy Paulin welcomed the I-95 pavement improvement project so that repairs can be made to the badly damaged on and off ramps there and make the drive safer for the thousands of residents who rely on I-95 each day.
"I will continue to advocate for state infrastructure improvement projects like this which help residents and support our economy," she said.
The NYS Thruway Authority's approved 2023 Budget invests a total of $413 million to support its Capital Program, which is scheduled to invest $1.9 billion into capital projects through 2027.
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