A $36.6 million pavement improvement project on the Thruway (I-87) in Orange County has been completed, Governor Kathy Hochul announced. The work began last year and involved repairs to about 48 lane miles between Woodbury, just north of exit 16, and Newburgh at exit 17. This stretch is used by roughly 53,000 motorists daily.
Governor Hochul said, “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, commented, “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 covered mileposts 48.0 to 60.1 with both full and partial depth pavement repairs targeting deteriorated areas on both sides of I-87. Crews also applied a two-inch asphalt overlay to provide a smoother ride. Additional updates included new guiderails, reflective line striping, drainage upgrades, and culvert improvements.
Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus said, “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 stated, “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.”
Most of the Thruway’s base dates back to its original construction in the 1950s; as such heavy maintenance remains necessary to keep it functional.
For real-time traffic information or navigation assistance while traveling on this route or others managed by the Thruway Authority, motorists can use their mobile app or access live camera feeds via their Traveler Map online service.
The Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway is one of America’s oldest interstate highways built in the early 1950s and relies mainly on toll revenue rather than tax funding for its operation.
In 2024 alone more than 400 million toll transactions were processed with drivers logging over eight billion miles on its lanes statewide. The current five-year capital plan includes $2.7 billion toward further infrastructure work—an increase from previous years—which will affect over half its total lane mileage as well as a significant portion of bridges under its management.
Toll rates remain among America’s lowest for similar roads—under five cents per mile—while fatality rates are well below national averages.
Motorists are reminded that safety regulations have recently expanded: under changes made in March 2024 to New York’s Move Over Law all drivers must slow down and move over for any stopped vehicle along roadways.
More information can be found by following official social media accounts or visiting the Thruway website.
