For Immediate Release: 12/02/21
Contact: Office of Media Relations and Communications | (518) 471-5300 | public.info@thruway.ny.gov
THRUWAY AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES ON-TIME COMPLETION OF $15.8 MILLION BRIDGE REPLACEMENT IN ORANGE COUNTY
I-87 Bridge Carrying Thruway Traffic Over Route 207 Was Replaced with a Modern Structure Featuring Safety Upgrades and Improvements
Project Completed On-Time and $1 Million Under Budget
The New York State Thruway Authority today announced the on-time completion of a $15.8 million infrastructure improvement project on the Thruway (I-87) in Orange County. The two-year project, which began in spring 2020, included the replacement of the Thruway bridge carrying traffic over Route 207 (milepost 58.43) in the Town of New Windsor. The capital project was completed on time and $1 million under budget.
The project upgraded the structure to current civil engineering standards and included numerous safety improvements such as full-depth reconstruction for the approaches, new pavement markings, as well as drainage upgrades in the area and the installation of a retaining wall. The vertical clearance was also increased on the new structure to 15 feet.
“Replacing aging infrastructure strengthens our transportation system and provides a safe, reliable travel experience for our motorists,” Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said. “We are committed to investing in infrastructure improvement projects such as this one which supports New York’s economy and keeps goods and services moving efficiently across the state.”
The original bridge was built in 1953. The bridge is located in a busy commuter corridor in the Mid-Hudson Valley region and carries more than 52,000 vehicles every day or approximately 19 million vehicles each year.
Consistent with New York’s Driver's First initiative, the project was designed to minimize impacts to Thruway traffic during construction. The work was completed in stages to maintain two travel lanes in each direction throughout the duration of the project with minimal lane closures.
Harrison & Burrowes Bridge Constructors, Inc. of Glenmont, NY completed the project.
Senator James Skoufis said, “I am thrilled to see the completion of New Windsor's new Thruway bridge crossing Route 207 and am grateful to local residents for their patience as the NYS Thruway Authority worked diligently to improve traveler safety not far from the busy 207-300 intersection. Improvements like this to vital infrastructure across the state will help New Yorkers get back to work and safely reconnect with their loved ones.”
Assemblyman Colin J. Schmitt said, “It is great news for area residents and visitors alike that the critical infrastructure project replacing the Thruway bridge over Route 207 is now complete. Along with my colleagues in government, I was happy to support this Thruway Authority project and will continue to advocate for positive projects just like this. This project will help increase safety and make corrections to traffic flow in this high-traffic corridor.”
Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said, “This important bridge replacement in New Windsor will help reduce traffic impacts on this highly utilized roadway. Safe and reliable infrastructure is important to Orange County residents and visitors alike and I want to thank the New York State Thruway Authority for this investment in Orange County.”
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