Reconstruction between Interchanges 23 and 24
Introduction
In 2005, the New York State Thruway Authority completed a study of the Albany Corridor, between Exit 21A (Berkshire Connector) and Exit 25A (Schenectady, I-88) in Albany and Schenectady counties. This is a key link in the mainline of the Thruway. It also is a heavily traveled commuter route.
The Thruway Reconstruction and Mobility Improvement Project between Exit 23 (Albany, I-787) and Exit 24 (Albany, I-87, I-90) is the first project to stem from the Albany Corridor Study. The $99.7 million reconstruction project is funded with Thruway toll revenue. No tax dollars are involved.
Improvements will include the reconstruction of existing pavement over the 7-mile stretch and the addition of a third travel lane in both the northbound and southbound directions.
The Thruway Authority completed project design in late 2010. The reconstruction project began in March 2011. Rifenburg Construction Inc. of Troy, NY is the prime contractor. The project is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2013.
About the Project
The largest single construction project in the Albany area is the reconstruction and expansion of a 7-mile-long stretch of the Thruway between Exit 23 and Exit 24.
Work on the $99.7 million project began in March 2011 and is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2013. The general contractor is Rifenburg Construction Inc. of Troy, N.Y.
The existing pavement – much of it dating from the 1950s – will be replaced and a third traffic lane will be added in both the northbound and southbound directions. The third lanes are expected to relieve congestion in this heavily used commuter corridor.
Eight sections of noise abatement barriers will be installed and the highway drainage system will be upgraded. In accordance with federal regulations, 1.8 acres of new wetlands will be instructed to offset losses of wetlands due to construction.
The work zone begins at milepost 141.3, south of Exit 23 (Albany, I-787) extends to milepost 148.2, west of Exit 24 (Albany, I-87, I-90). The route touches the Towns of Guilderland and Bethlehem, and the City of Albany, in Albany County.
The speed limit in the work zone is reduced to 55 mph. Motorists are reminded that penalties and fines increase for traffic violations within a posted work zone.
View updated construction information.
View the Final Environmental Impact Statement.