About the Project
Introduction
The NYS Thruway (I-87) and I-84 are major interstate highways providing
important connections between population and commercial centers of the northeastern
United States. The two highways intersect in the Town of Newburgh, Orange
County, New York. Currently, there are no direct connections between I-87
and I-84. In order to travel between the two interstates, traffic must exit
the Interstate system and access NYS Route 300, a local road. In recent
years, local and interstate traffic volumes have increased significantly,
resulting in increased congestion, longer travel times and safety problems
on the Interchange roadways.
Project Objective
The purpose of this project is to:
- Reconstruct the I-84/I-87 interchange and provide direct access between
the two interstates, while relieving traffic congestion from the local roads
(Routes 300 and 17K), through the use of cost effect measures and with minimal
impact to the community and the environment.
In early 1999, the Authority and NYSDOT developed an interchange concept
that would make this a reality. Preliminary design investigations were undertaken
and a Design Report was prepared in accordance with Federal and State Environmental
Review requirements. The Design Report was issued in September 2001. View
Highlights from the Design Report.
Existing/Reconstructed I-84/I-87
Interchange Simulation
View larger versions:
Existing Map - PDF (1 page/57 Kb)
Reconstructed Map - PDF (1 page/117 Kb)
A Public Information Open House was held on October 4, 2001 to share exhibits
which explained the purpose, benefits and impacts of the project with the
public. Representatives from the Authority and NYSDOT were present to answer
questions.
Project Overview Timeline| Topic | Date |
|---|
| Informational Meetings with Local Officials | May 2001 |
| Draft Design Report | August 2001 |
| Public Information Meeting | October 2001 |
| Final Design Report | November 2001 |
| Design Approval | December 2001 |
| Begin Final Design | December 2001 |
| Begin Construction | August 2003 |
| Complete Construction |
August 2009 |
To date, the Authority and NYSDOT have been working closely with the Town
of Newburgh to try and minimize the impact construction has on traffic in
the surrounding area and to ensure Emergency Services remain informed of
the work taking place.
Funding for this $120 million project is being split between the Authority
and NYSDOT, and includes Federal Aid.
Several new facilities will be constructed throughout the various phases
of this construction project. Those facilities include:
- Six new bridges will be built and one existing bridge will be widened;
- New
connecting ramps,
- New maintenance facilities to house the offices and
repair shops that will be displaced by the new interchange,
- New toll
plazas, which include dedicated E-ZPass lanes for "higher
speed" traffic,
- A new State Police building to house the Zone Headquarters,
- A new tandem
truck parking lot within the interchange area to allow trucks direct
access to and from the interstates without crossing traffic coming in
and out of the plaza.
Additional improvement will also be made to Route 300 in the area of the
interchange to improve traffic flow, including installation of turn lanes
and new traffic signals. An E-ZPass Only ramp will be constructed from northbound
I-87 to Route 17K. This ramp will allow traffic to flow to Route 17K without
passing through a toll plaza.
Construction Contract Phases
Contract 1 (TANY 03-24)
Construction of new I-84 EB/Route 300 Ramps, Temporary widening of 87
NB off-ramp, Improvements to Route 300, traffic signal, preliminary
earthwork, and removal of an abandoned spoil area at Thruway Interchange
17 in Newburgh, New York.
Letting Date: May 14, 2003
Completion Date: October 12, 2004
Final Cost: $5.5 million
Contract 2 (TANY 04-37A)
Construction of Maintenance Facility Building, Maintenance Garage, Two
Salt Sheds, General Storage Building, State Police Building, Parking lots,
Driveways, Toll Plaza & TUB, and the related Site Work for the these
facilities.
Start Construction: March 2006
Construction Completion: Spring 2009
Estimated Cost: $48 million
Contract 3 (TANY 06-51)
Construction of all remaining roadways, ramps, and bridges in the interchange, directly connecting I-84 to I-87. The contract also provides for the installation of two traffic signals on Route 300 and construction of a new, larger tandem lot. This phase of the project is expected to be completed, with the new direct connection between I-84 and I-87 in service by the Fall of 2009.
Start Construction: March 2007
Construction Completion: Spring 2009
Estimated Cost: $66.6 million
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