NYSDOT Commissioner McDonald Announces I-787 Reconstruction In Albany

ALBANY, NY (04/17/2012)(readMedia)-- New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Joan McDonald today announced that construction is beginning on a $20.8 million project to reconstruct a portion of Interstate 787 between exits 3B and 4 in the city of Albany, Albany County. Commissioner McDonald also kicked off the start of the highway and bridge construction season by reminding motorists to drive slowly and with caution through construction and maintenance work zones, and to slow down and change lanes when approaching construction vehicles with flashing amber lights.

"Now that spring is here, men and women will be working on highway and bridge maintenance and construction projects like this all across New York State. It is imperative that motorists drive cautiously and stay alert so that our roads stay safe for both travelers and workers this construction season," Commissioner McDonald said. "This is an important safety improvement project on Interstate 787 into downtown Albany and we ask the traveling public to find alternate routes, allow for extra travel time and stay patient during the traffic delays that are expected as part of these critical bridge and ramp repairs."

State Senator Neil Breslin said, "Maintaining and improving our infrastructure not only benefits our local economy, it is also critically important for the safety and well-being of our residents and commuters. I want to thank Governor Cuomo for making sure that the infrastructure needs of Albany County are met."

The I-787 rehabilitation project will include replacing the concrete driving surface, along with bridge bearings and joints, and rehabilitating the Clinton Avenue interchange ramps. The project will make the bridges along this stretch of interstate safer and provide a smoother driving surface for motorists. Quay Street and Water Street also will be paved as part of the project.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently expanded New York State's "Ambrose-Searles Move Over Act" to include all hazard vehicles with amber lights, such as tow trucks and construction vehicles. The law requires motorists to change lanes, when possible, or slow down when they approach vehicles that are parked, stopped or standing on a road with flashing amber or red lights. This law applies to NYSDOT and contractor construction vehicles and equipment and compliance with the law will help keep highway workers safe.

The project kicks off just prior to National Work Zone Safety week, which runs from April 23 to April 27. The theme of this year's campaign is "Don't Barrel Through Work Zones! Drive Smart to Arrive Alive."

Last year in New York State there were a total of 347 traffic accidents in construction work zones on the state's roads and bridges, and 45 traffic accidents in maintenance work zones along New York highways. Those accidents resulted in five fatalities – including four motorists – and 110 injuries of motorists, contractor employees and NYSDOT staff. In the Capital District last year, there were 26 traffic accidents in construction and maintenance work zones.

New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D'Amico said, "The New York State Police is committed to improving highway safety through a highly visible presence and enforcement. As the summer construction season begins, we remind motorists to obey traffic control devices, posted speed limits, stay in designated lanes, and be attentive of workers and equipment in highway work zones. The safety and welfare of construction staff and highway workers is essential as they work to improve our state's roadways."

Federal Highway Administration New York Division Administrator Jonathan D. McDade said, "For more than two decades individual States, industry and the FHWA have worked together to heighten public awareness about work zone safety. While our public agencies and contractors are doing all they can to design and operate the safest works zones possible, it is incumbent upon each one of us as we climb behind the wheel of our vehicles to remember to stay focused on our highways, especially as we travel through work zones. While we have seen decreased deaths and injuries across New York and America in recent years, the increased investment being made in our infrastructure this year is an added reminder to "Drive Smart and Arrive Alive"!"

Mike Elmendorf, President and CEO of the Associated General Contractors of New York State (AGC NYS), said, "Maintenance and upgrades to our roads and bridges are not only essential to getting us all from point A to point B and supporting our economy and communities, but are critical to our safety. It is equally critical that the men and women who are out rebuilding New York be safe as well. That's why, as the construction season begins again, we must all focus on making work zones safer for both workers and the traveling public, especially with all the distractions we see on the road today. So, please be aware of what's going on around you on the road, watch for signs, slow down and obey work zone speed limits. We rely on road crews for our safety as we travel--and they're counting on us for their safety as well."

This year's I-787 work, focusing on the northbound lanes, began last week with a left lane closure. The lane is expected to be closed until early June. From June to September the right lane of I-787 northbound and the ramp from Clinton Avenue to I-787 northbound will be closed. The project is expected to wrap up for the season in November.

Significant traffic delays are expected, especially during the afternoon peak commuting hours of 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Commuters are encouraged to seek alternate routes to and from downtown Albany and allow for extra travel time during construction. City intersections are expected to be busier than usual as well.

NYSDOT has coordinated closely with the State Office of General Services to alert employees in state buildings and those who hold parking passes for state parking lots about the upcoming work and how it may affect their commute.

Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito said, "Governor Cuomo has been a strong advocate for rebuilding New York's aging infrastructure. We hope that those who visit and work at the Empire State Plaza will understand the importance of this project and either utilize alternative routes or allow for extra time at the beginning and end of the workday."

Construction contractor for the project is DA Collins Construction Co. Inc. of Mechanicville, Saratoga County. The project will resume next April with work on southbound I-787. It is expected to be completed in fall 2013.