Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will undertake its largest-ever annual paving investment in 2026. The initiative will see more than $600 million allocated to over 180 paving projects across the state, covering almost 2,150 lane miles. This effort is supported by an additional $800 million secured in the most recent state budget to supplement the final two years of NYSDOT’s five-year, $34.3 billion Capital Plan.
This major undertaking adds to NYSDOT’s ongoing core programs and represents a record-setting resurfacing agenda for the agency. Including both this new investment and existing programs, a total of over 250 pavement renewal projects are planned for next year, representing nearly $1.2 billion in funding and resurfacing more than 4,000 lane miles.
Governor Hochul stated, “As someone who has ridden on virtually every mile of every state road across New York, I know firsthand every curve and every pothole, and next year we will be making an unprecedented investment to improve state roads across New York. New Yorkers will be seeing crews out there like never before next year, rejuvenating highways, enhancing the safety of the traveling public, and laying a solid foundation for economic development across the Empire State.”
Marie Therese Dominguez, Commissioner of NYSDOT, commented on the announcement: “Today’s historic announcement firmly demonstrates Governor Hochul’s commitment to fundamentally investing in building back our roadway network to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Now, thanks to the Governor’s unprecedented investment, we are putting that commitment into high gear with an historic paving agenda for 2026 that will provide easier travel on roads from one end of the state to the other. Infrastructure investments like these are foundational to the future of the New York that Governor Hochul is building, a future that is affordable, safe and healthy for all residents.”
State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins emphasized infrastructure as essential: “Every New Yorker and visitor to our state who drives our roads understands how critical it is to maintain them, especially after the wear and tear of our winters. This record-breaking Capital Plan ensures that 2026 will be the biggest year of road paving in New York’s history, reaching more communities in every region of the state. Investing in our infrastructure strengthens safety, supports local economies, and improves quality of life. I’m proud that under the Senate Democratic Majority, we’ve secured historic funding to upkeep our infrastructure. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Governor Hochul and my colleagues in the Assembly for their partnership in making this vision a reality.”
Other legislators echoed support for this initiative as beneficial for public safety and economic development throughout various regions in New York State.
