About the Project

The New York State Thruway Authority has completed design studies for the proposed reconstruction and mobility improvements on the New York State Thruway between Interchanges 23 and 24.  Final design is progressing currently, and should be complete by mid-2009. The project work will include reconstruction of the pavement, with the addition of a 3rd lane in each direction; reconstruction of the drainage facilities within the project limits; vertical clearance improvements at overhead bridges; stormwater and wetland mitigation measures in keeping with State and Federal Environmental regulations; construction of noise barriers in 10 locations, as identified in the FEIS; and landscaping enhancements. This project does not include Interchange 23 or 24 ramps and toll plazas. The project will start at milepost 141.3 and extend to milepost 148.2. The total length of the project is 6.9 miles, located in the Town of Guilderland, Town of Bethlehem, and City of Albany, Albany County.

The Authority remains committed to providing high levels of safety and service to the customers that use the System. However, given the rising cost of construction-related materials and inflation, the Authority has been prompted to scale back or delay a number of projects being delivered under the current $2.1 billion highway and bridge capital plan. This includes the Interchange 23-24 Reconstruction project.  Originally scheduled for a December 2009 letting, the Authority currently anticipates letting the project in December 2011, with an expected construction completion in the Winter of 2013.

The proposed project has been classified as a Type I Action, pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 617. The New York State Thruway Authority, being the agency having principal responsibility for carrying out or approving the proposed project, is the Lead Agency pursuant to Part 617 of Title 6 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of New York State.

A Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) has been completed for this action which assesses the effect of the project on: noise, air quality, water quality, property impacts, cultural and historic resources, hazardous waste, ecosystems, threatened species, visual resources, and environmentally sensitive lands.