Thruway Authority Announces $245 Million in Capital Construction Lettings Within the New York Division

ALBANY, NY (04/16/2010)(readMedia)-- The New York State Thruway Authority today announced approximately $245 million in projects will be let within the New York Division this year as part of the Authority's 2010 Contracts Program. The projects are part of the largest one-year letting level of capital investments ($637 million) in the Thruway's history.

"I commend the Thruway Authority for properly investing in the Thruway's highways and bridges," said Governor David A. Paterson. "These critical investments will not only save money on repairs in the future, when they'd be more costly, but will create jobs during a time in which they are desperately needed. The Authority's 2010 infrastructure improvement plan will go a long way in making travel along the Thruway smoother, more convenient and safer for the users of the system."

"The Thruway's infrastructure is now more than 50 years old; more frequent and more costly repairs are required to maintain safe and reliable driving conditions for the millions of motorists who choose to travel the Thruway each year," said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer.

"The largest single project in the New York Division – and the Authority's largest project along the Thruway -- with a low bid of $148.7 million, is the continuation of the Tappan Zee Bridge redecking," said Fleischer. "Upon completion in the Winter of 2012, the Authority will have replaced 97 percent of the decking of this critical bridge that carries 140,000 vehicles daily over the Hudson River."

Other major projects planned for the New York Division in 2010 include*:

• The replacement of four Thruway bridges over Seven Lakes Drive and East Village Roads, approximately $23 million.

• Painting of 13 New York Division bridges, approximately $5 million.

• Pavement rehabilitation along I-95 (New England Thruway) from Port Chester to the Connecticut State Line, and the rehabilitation and painting of the Byram River Bridge, approximately $26 million.

• Rehabilitation of six Thruway bridges along I-95 between Erskine Place and Boston Post Road, approximately $8 million

According to the Federal Highway Administration, transportation infrastructure accounts for 11 percent of the nation's economic activity. For every dollar invested in highway construction, the local economy receives $5.60 in economic benefits - a return on investment of more than 500 percent. Highway construction also creates thousands of jobs. Every $1 billion in highway construction creates more than 42,000 employment opportunities.

"The Authority's primary source of revenue comes from tolls. The Authority receives no State funding and receives very little Federal funding," added Fleischer.

The Authority manages 2,818 lane miles of highway and more than 800 bridges. More than 246.7 million trips were taken on the Thruway in 2009, representing more than 8.1 billion miles traveled. As such, it is imperative that the Authority's highways and bridge assets remain in good condition and that there is a proper expenditure of resources to keep the highway free of debris, potholes, and snow and ice, to ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods, services and people.

For the latest information about the Authority's 2005-2011 Capital Program, please visit the Authority's website at www.nysthruway.gov/news/capital-plan/capital-program.html.

*The dollar figures shown above represent low bids or approved construction costs; the exact value of each project will be determined through the competitive bid process.

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