A $36.6 million pavement improvement project on the Thruway (I-87) in Orange County has been completed, Governor Kathy Hochul announced. The work covered approximately 48 lane miles from just north of exit 16 in Woodbury to exit 17 in Newburgh, a section used daily by about 53,000 motorists.
Governor Hochul stated, “New York State continues to deliver smoother, safer roads across the state, improving the driving experience for commuters, commercial drivers and visitors. Repaving the Thruway and keeping the road smooth for drivers is a critical investment given the important role the 570-mile superhighway serves in our transportation network and our state’s economy.”
Frank G. Hoare, Executive Director of the New York State Thruway Authority, said, “Thousands of motorists depend on this section of I-87 each day to connect them to major roadways in the Hudson Valley like Interstate 84 and Route 17. This project enhances the reliability of the roadway and keeps it in good shape for those who depend on it.”
The improvements stretched from mileposts 48.0 to 60.1 and included both full and partial depth repairs on deteriorated areas in both directions. Crews applied a two-inch asphalt overlay and made safety upgrades such as new guiderails, reflective line striping, drainage improvements, and culvert upgrades. With about 85 percent of the Thruway’s base dating back to its original construction in the 1950s, maintenance projects like this are considered necessary to keep it operational.
Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus commented, “These improvements along the Thruway are an important investment in Orange County’s transportation network. With thousands of drivers traveling this corridor every day, maintaining safe and reliable roadways is essential to supporting our residents, visitors, and local economy.”
City of Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey added, “Infrastructure investment is essential to the vitality and safety of our region. The completion of this Thruway project represents a commitment to improving the everyday travel experience for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. Governor Hochul’s continued focus on modernizing our transportation corridors keeps the Hudson Valley moving forward.”
Motorists can access real-time traffic information through a free mobile app available for iPhone and Android devices or visit the Thruway Authority’s interactive Traveler Map with live traffic cameras. Email alerts are also available for up-to-date conditions.
The Thruway system was built in the early 1950s as part of one of America’s oldest interstate highway networks. Its operation is funded mainly by tolls rather than tax dollars; roughly one-third of users are from out-of-state.
In 2024 alone, over 400 million toll transactions were processed with motorists traveling more than eight billion miles on the Thruway. According to its current capital plan for 2025-2029, $2.7 billion will be invested into infrastructure and equipment—an increase following recent adjustments to toll rates—to improve more than half its pavement lane miles and upgrade or replace many bridges.
The Thruway remains among America’s safest highways with fatality rates well below national averages; its toll rates are also comparatively low at less than five cents per mile for passenger vehicles.
Drivers are reminded that safety measures remain crucial: slowing down near work zones or stopped vehicles is required under New York’s expanded Move Over Law since March 2024.
For further updates or details about travel conditions or safety regulations along this route, travelers can follow official social media accounts or visit the Thruway website.
