New York to Invest $98 Million in Major I-90 Highway Renovation

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the commencement of a significant $98 million project aimed at upgrading a crucial stretch of the New York State Thruway (I-90). The initiative will focus on approximately 61 miles of highway lanes spanning across Onondaga and Cayuga counties, a vital corridor used by an estimated 38,000 vehicles daily in both directions.

The comprehensive renovation plan includes full-depth asphalt reconstruction on specific segments of the eastbound and westbound I-90. This involves removing the existing concrete pavement entirely and replacing it with warm-mix asphalt. Additionally, other sections of the eastbound I-90 will undergo deep concrete repairs, where deteriorated parts will be removed and replaced down to the subbase to bolster the road's structural integrity and extend its lifespan.

The project also encompasses crack sealing, diamond grinding to smooth the concrete surface, enhancements to safety barriers, installation of new reflective lane markings, and the addition of milled-in-place rumble strips on the highway shoulders. Slate Hill Constructors, Inc., based in Warners, New York, secured the contract through competitive bidding, with the project slated for completion in the fall of 2028.

Drivers should anticipate lane closures and potential work zone delays during construction. The state has reminded motorists that all activities are weather-dependent and subject to change. Speed limits in work zones will be strictly enforced, with penalties for speeding doubled in these areas. New York is also employing a pilot program for automated speed enforcement in work zones, using visible signage to alert drivers to the presence of cameras.

This investment is part of a larger capital plan by the Thruway Authority, which has allocated over $600 million for capital contracts in its 2026 budget, one of the highest annual amounts in the system's history. The five-year plan (2026-2030) totals $2.8 billion, earmarked for replacing or preserving about 18% of the system's bridges and repaving nearly 60% of its lane miles. The I-90 upgrade aims to enhance safety, smoothness, and durability on one of Central New York's busiest highways, ultimately reducing deterioration and supporting a key corridor for transportation, commerce, and regional mobility.