The New York State Thruway Authority is undertaking a $12.3 million rehabilitation project for a bridge built in 1953 that spans Interstate 90 over New York State Route 5S in Montgomery County. This bridge serves about 25,000 vehicles daily and is a vital connection within the growing multimodal transportation hub of Montgomery County, which supports various industries including warehousing and logistics. The rehabilitation will involve replacing the bridge deck, making substructure and steel repairs, and improving the pavement. Once completed, the lifespan of the bridge is expected to extend by 50 years.
Frank Hoare, the Thruway Authority executive director, emphasized the project's importance for safety and reliability, stating that such infrastructure investments contribute to a dependable transportation system while keeping toll rates competitive. The work will be conducted in phases to minimize disruption, with traffic management strategies in place to inform drivers about slowdowns and ensure safety in work zones.
In transportation, maintaining and upgrading infrastructure like bridges is essential, not only for safety but also for accommodating increasing traffic loads and ensuring economic efficiency. With aging infrastructure across the country, prioritizing projects like this one reflects a proactive approach to sustaining critical transportation networks. Continued investment in infrastructure, as evidenced by the Thruway Authority's capital plan for 2025-2029, is crucial for supporting growing populations and ever-demanding logistics needs.