The New York State Thruway Authority has started a $2.5 million project to rehabilitate two bridges over I-90 in Seneca County – the I-90 westbound bridge over the Cayuga-Seneca Canal (milepost 313.82) and the Interchange 41 bridge over I-90 (milepost 320.41). More than 18,800 vehicles travel over these two bridges daily.
Both bridges, constructed in 1953, are part of the original New York State Thruway system and are among the 75 percent of Thruway bridges that are more than 60 years old.
“The Thruway is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, and dozens of its bridges are original to the system and require rehabilitation or replacement,” Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare, Esq. said. “Our focus is on modernization and reinvesting in infrastructure by putting toll dollars to work to improve the safety and reliability of both of these bridges and the entire Thruway system.”
I-90 Westbound Bridge over Cayuga-Seneca Canal
The bridge, located at milepost 313.82 westbound, carries Thruway (I-90) mainline traffic bridge over the Cayuga-Seneca Canal located in the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in Seneca County. Approximately 16,700 vehicles per day use the bridge which is located between exit 40 (Weedsport – Auburn – NY Route 34) and exit 41 (Waterloo – Clyde – NY Route 414).
Improvements will include new bridge joints, bridge deck and approach pavement repairs, and the milling and resurfacing of the bridge’s driving approaches.
Interchange 41 Bridge
The Interchange 41 bridge carries traffic entering and exiting the Thruway westbound at exit 41 (Waterloo – Clyde – NY Route 414). Approximately 2,150 vehicles per day use the bridge each day.
Improvements include the replacement or rehabilitation of bridge joints, new concrete decking, and new bridge safety guiderail.
Following the enhancements, it is anticipated that the lifespans of both bridges will be extended by 15 to 20 years.
Slate Hill Constructors, Inc. of Warners, NY is the project contractor following a competitive bidding process. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
Motorists may encounter lane closures on the highway along with traffic shifts and stoppages while construction is underway. All work is weather-dependent and subject to change.
Motorists are urged to be alert and follow the posted work zone speed limits. Fines are doubled for speeding a work zone.
To further enhance safety for workers in a work zone, Governor Hochul signed legislation establishing the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement pilot program. The safety enforcement program began in April 2023 and is in effect in various active construction zones on the Thruway. Work zones with speed camera enforcement will have clear signage leading up to the work zone. Motorists violating the posted speed limit within the work zone will be fined. Violation fines will be issued to the vehicle’s registered owner by mail. More information on the program can be found here.
Since 2021, the Thruway Authority has reinvested more than $182.5 million toward capital improvement projects in the Syracuse Division, which spans approximately 153 miles between Herkimer and Ontario Counties. Over the next five years, the Thruway Authority’s Capital Program is projected to invest more than $395.5 million into the Central New York Region.
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