Hochul Announces Million-Dollar Projects in New York: Bridge Replacements and Nighttime I-81 Closures

Governor Kathy Hochul is spearheading a significant infrastructure investment totaling $30 million to revitalize key routes in upstate New York. This ambitious plan, announced via a press release, targets critical improvements in Franklin, Onondaga, and Niagara counties, aiming to bolster safety and enhance mobility for residents and travelers alike.

The initiative focuses on three primary areas: the replacement of three bridges on U.S. Route 11 in Franklin County, originally built in 1928. This $10 million project seeks to improve traffic flow between Potsdam, Malone, and Plattsburgh. In Niagara County, an $8.92 million project will rehabilitate State Route 78, with further work on Transit Road and State Route 31 planned for later this summer. Additionally, a $11.2 million project will see nearly 20 miles of Interstate 81 in Onondaga County repaved, including repairs to the pavement and drainage systems.

"Now that the winter has amain in the north of the state of New York, we are moving at full speed with vital investments that will help rebuild our infrastructure and reconnect our communities," Governor Hochul stated, emphasizing the urgency and importance of these upgrades. To minimize disruption to daytime traffic, particularly on I-81 in Onondaga County, paving operations will be conducted overnight, necessitating temporary lane closures.

These projects represent a substantial commitment to modernizing New York's aging infrastructure. The phased approach to construction, with some bridges slated for completion this year and others extending to late 2026, ensures a systematic upgrade. The rehabilitation of I-81 is already underway and expected to be completed this fall. This investment is crucial for the economic vitality and connectivity of the northern New York region, demonstrating the state's dedication to progress and community development.

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Now that the winter has amain in the north of the state of New York, we are moving at full speed with vital investments that will help rebuild our infrastructure and reconnect our communities.