About the Project

The Authority remains committed to providing high levels of safety and service to the customers that use the System.

The largest single project in the Albany area, at an estimated cost of $115 million, is the reconstruction of approximately six miles between Albany Interchanges 23 and 24, including the construction of a third lane in both directions which will relieve congestion in this heavily used commuter corridor.

The project will start at milepost 141.3 (just south of Interchange 23) and extend to milepost 148.2 (just west of Interchange 24). The total length of the project is 6.9 miles, located in the Towns of Guilderland and Bethlehem, and the City of Albany, in Albany County.

The Authority plans to let the project in late 2010.  Construction is expected to begin during the Spring of 2011; the project is slated for completion during the Summer of 2013.

The project work will include:

• reconstruction of the pavement, with the addition of a 3rd lane in each direction;
• reconstruction of the drainage facilities within the project limits;
• vertical clearance improvements at overhead bridges;
• stormwater and wetland mitigation measures in keeping with State and Federal Environmental regulations;
• construction of noise barriers in 10 locations, as identified in the FEIS; and
• landscaping enhancements.

This project does not include construction at the Interchange 23 or 24 ramps or toll plazas.

The project has been classified as a Type I Action, pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 617. The New York State Thruway Authority, being the agency having principal responsibility for carrying out or approving the proposed project, is the Lead Agency pursuant to Part 617 of Title 6 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of New York State.

A Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) has been completed for this action which assesses the effect of the project on: noise, air quality, water quality, property impacts, cultural and historic resources, hazardous waste, ecosystems, threatened species, visual resources, and environmentally sensitive lands. The FEIS was deemed complete on September 12, 2006.

A Statement of Findings was adopted on October 16, 2006, thus completing the SEQR process.