Reconstruction between Interchanges 23 and 24
Concrete Breaking Schedule
View Concrete Breaking Schedule for more information.
Emergency Detour Routes
In the event of an unanticipated road closure, these Emergency Detour routes have been established. There is no plan to implement these Emergency Detours during the construction project on the Exit 23-24 Corridor.
Construction Information
Thruway Reconstruction Project between Exit 23 and Exit 24 in Albany is scheduled to continue through the fall of 2013. This project includes the addition of a third lane in both the northbound and southbound directions.
Beginning in March 2012 all southbound traffic in the construction corridor will be diverted to cross the median and to continue south in the shared northbound pavement. Barriers will separate the lanes traveling in opposite directions.
Through the 2011 construction season, 7 miles of the northbound right shoulder have been reconstructed. Drainage facilities along the right shoulder have been upgraded and six of 12 storm water storage ponds have been completed. Nearly 2 miles of the fiber optic cable was relocated. Foundations had been poured for six of the eight noise barrier walls, and wall panels have been erected at four noise barrier locations.
Rifenburg Construction Inc. of Troy, N.Y., is the prime contractor for the $99.7 million project.
In the seven-mile-long construction zone, motorists are directed to stay in their lanes. Troop T of the New York State Police will enforce the posted speed limit of 55 mph. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone.
Updated information about lane closures is available by calling 1-800-847-8929. Traffic conditions are broadcast on the Highway Advisory Radio broadcasts at 1610 AM.
The Thruway Authority offers a free TRANSalert service that alerts customers via email or text messaging about unscheduled incidents along the Thruway.
Work began in March 2011 to add a third travel lane in each direction for 7 miles of the New York State Thruway between Exit 23 (Albany, I-787) and Exit 24 (Albany, I-87, I-90). The target date for completion of the project is the fall of 2013.
The $99.7 million contract was awarded to Rifenburg Construction Inc. of Troy, N.Y. The project is estimated to create 100 person/years in construction jobs.
NEW PAVEMENT
The project includes the complete removal of existing pavement – some of it more than 55 years old – and its replacement with three travel lanes of concrete in both the northbound and southbound corridors. There also will be two new shoulder lanes in each direction. The third lane will be built primarily in the existing median, minimizing overall widening of the highway.
VEGETATION CLEARING
Trees and vegetation have been cleared on both sides of the highway, in part to upgrade the storm water drainage system. There will be a total of 12 storage ponds built as part of the project. Additional clearing is necessary for installation of noise barriers and flattening roadside slopes. Where appropriate, new trees and shrubs will be planted.
NOISE BARRIERS
In accordance with federal regulation and state policy, a noise study was completed to assess the potential traffic and construction noise impacts resulting from the proposed reconstruction and improvements between Exit 23 and Exit 24. The study indicated where noise barriers were reasonable and feasible to mitigate noise impacts.
Noise barriers will be installed in eight different segments for a total length of about 9,000 linear feet, or almost 2 miles. The barriers are typically about 20 feet high and will be made from concrete with a decorative color and pattern cast into them. Additionally, there will be a small test section of noise barrier constructed from recycled scrap rubber tires. View more information about Recycled Tire Noise Barriers.
TRAFFIC FLOW
To minimize disruptions, most of the temporary lane closures will be done at night or during off-peak commuting hours.
- March 2012 traffic will be switched to the existing northbound corridor while work begins on the southbound corridor.
- April 2013 traffic will be re-routed to the newly constructed southbound corridor while the northbound corridor is reconstructed.
Motorists will notice the placement of Jersey barriers, placed to shield work crews from the traffic. There may be temporary lane closures.
SPEED LIMIT
Throughout the 3-year project, Troop T of the State Police will enforce the 55 mph speed limit in the work zone. Would-be speeders are reminded that traffic fines are doubled for work zones.
ANTICIPATED PROJECT SCHEDULE:
- Spring 2011: Clear vegetation. Begin work to upgrade drainage and construct 12 storm water collection ponds.
Replace the northbound right shoulder with a temporary travel lane. Another temporary travel lane will be constructed on the left shoulder in the northbound corridor, next to the guiderail. - Summer 2011: Construct foundations for the new noise barriers.
- Fall 2011: Install noise barrier panels.
- Spring 2012: Re-route all traffic to the northbound corridor, two lanes in each direction. Remove existing pavement from the southbound corridor. Install new pavement in the southbound corridor. Complete drainage work in southbound direction. Install new Dynamic Message Sign southbound. Complete installation of southbound noise barriers. Paint portions of three overhead bridges.
- Spring 2013: Re-route all traffic to the newly constructed southbound corridor, two lanes in each direction. Remove pavement from the northbound corridor. Install new pavement in the northbound corridor. Complete drainage work in northbound direction. Install new Dynamic Message Sign northbound. Complete installation of northbound noise barriers. Complete painting of three overhead bridges.
- Fall 2013: Target date for completion project.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT & INCIDENT RESPONSE
The Thruway Authority works closely with the New York State Department of Transportation and local emergency service providers to develop an extensive incident management plan.
To avoid traffic delays, Thruway travelers and commercial traffic are strongly encouraged to travel during off peak hours and allow extra travel time during this period.
Motorists will be advised about changing traffic conditions via electronic Variable Message Signs along the highway and the Highway Advisory Radio, which broadcasts in the Albany area over 1610 AM.
The Thruway Authority offers a free TRANSAlert service to advise subscribers of unscheduled events that may affect travel on the Thruway. TRANSAlerts can be received via email or text message. The subscriber defines the area covered and the times of day.
Thruway motorists also may receive the latest information on lane closures by calling 1-800-THRUWAY (1-800-847-8929).
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
The Thruway Authority will take steps to minimize environmental impacts due to the construction. Other agencies consulted include Army Corps of Engineers, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The project includes construction of 1.8 acres of new wetlands to replace wetlands disturbed during construction.
Additional environmental protection measures include: soil and erosion control; preventing the introduction of invasive plant species in wetlands; avoidance of impacts to endangered species; and landscaping, such as planting trees at interchanges and other selected areas throughout the 7-mile corridor.