Hochul: I-95 corridor through Bronx, Westchester repaired as part of $61.8M project

by Rachel Morgan News Editor

A $61.8 million project to improve I-95 in the Bronx and Westchester has been completed, according to a statement released Tuesday by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office. The work focused on resurfacing the roadway and repairing critical bridge infrastructure.

Project Details

The project encompassed four miles of I-95, stretching from Westchester Avenue to Pelhamdale Avenue. Crews repaved the road and repaired the support structures of 11 bridges and ramps along the route. This key commuter corridor, also known as the New England Thruway, handles approximately 120,000 vehicles each day.

Did You Know? The superstructures of two pedestrian bridges restored during this project – connecting Co-op City to surrounding neighborhoods at 222nd Street and Dyre Avenue – were more than 60 years old.

Improvements included replacing deteriorated pavement to enhance the road’s structural integrity and installing reflective pavement markings to improve safety. Robert Sinclair Jr., a spokesman for AAA Northeast, stated that I-95 is “among the smoothest roads in our region,” attributing the highway’s condition to ongoing state maintenance.

Community Impact

The project also included the restoration of two pedestrian bridges connecting Co-op City to surrounding neighborhoods. Matthew Cruz, district manager of Bronx Community Board #10, welcomed the repairs, noting they provide “another option for Bronxites to get out of their vehicles” and are “safer” and “more accessible” for community members.

Expert Insight: Infrastructure projects like this demonstrate a commitment to maintaining existing transportation networks, which is often a more cost-effective strategy than building entirely new roads. Prioritizing repairs can help mitigate the long-term economic consequences of roadway deterioration, such as increased vehicle maintenance costs and potential disruptions to commerce.

Work on this four-mile stretch began in spring 2023. A separate $86.7 million project to repair a five-mile section of I-95 entirely within Westchester County began in April and is expected to be finished by the end of next year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary goal of the I-95 project?

The primary goal was to enhance the “rideability and reliability” of I-95 in the Bronx and Westchester, according to Gov. Hochul’s office.

How many bridges were repaired as part of the project?

The support structures of 11 bridges and ramps along the four-mile stretch of I-95 were repaired.

When is the next phase of I-95 improvements expected to be completed?

The $86.7 million project for a five-mile stretch of I-95 in Westchester is scheduled to be completed at the end of next year.

As infrastructure ages, continued investment in maintenance and repair is likely to be necessary to ensure the long-term viability of critical transportation corridors like I-95. Further projects could be proposed based on ongoing assessments of roadway conditions and traffic patterns.

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