Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that New York State will undertake its largest-ever investment in road paving during the 2026 construction season. The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will allocate more than $600 million to over 180 paving projects, covering nearly 2,150 lane miles across the state. This initiative is supported by an additional $800 million secured in the latest state budget, which enhances the final two years of NYSDOT’s five-year, $34.3 billion Capital Plan.
These new projects are in addition to those already planned under NYSDOT’s core programs and represent the most ambitious annual resurfacing effort ever proposed by the agency. Including all scheduled work, over 250 pavement renewal projects are planned for 2026 with a total investment approaching $1.2 billion 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.”
NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “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 added: “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 lawmakers expressed support for this initiative as well:
State Senator Jeremy Cooney said he looks forward “to building off of today’s announcement as we continue to push for the types of investments that give New Yorkers the safe, reliable road systems they deserve.”
State Senator Michelle Hinchey noted: “Investing in our local roads delivers benefits we can see and feel right away… Thank you to Governor Hochul and NYSDOT Commissioner Dominguez for supporting these investments.”
State Senator Jacob Ashby called it “a common-sense investment in public safety,” emphasizing bipartisan cooperation.
Assemblymember William Magnarelli described it as “a great investment in our infrastructure,” while Assemblymember John T. McDonald III highlighted its importance for drivers and businesses.
Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky pointed out broader benefits such as attracting business and improving climate resilience.
Local officials from counties including Albany, Monroe, Onondaga, Jefferson, Franklin, Allegany Cayuga Ontario County—and mayors from Dunkirk Fredonia Rochester—also praised this major allocation toward improving their regions’ transportation networks.
The full list of planned projects spans urban centers as well as rural areas affected by harsh weather conditions each year.
