Governor Hochul Highlights Significant Progress in Revitalizing New York State’s Roads and Bridges in 2023

 

Over 1,500 Highway Lane Miles Improved, 1.1 Million Potholes Filled and More Than 2,800 Bridges Replaced or Improved Across the State

Paving and Bridge Improvement Projects Represented a More Than $2.4 Billion Investment in New York’s Vital Transportation Infrastructure

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than 1,500 lane miles of state and local highways were improved and more than 2,800 bridges were replaced or improved during 2023, a signature achievement in New York’s ongoing initiative to modernize its vital transportation infrastructure. These projects by the New York State Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority represented a more than $2.4 billion investment in New York’s roads and bridges and reflect Governor Hochul’s historic commitment to revitalizing New York’s infrastructure by reconnecting communities, promoting growth and enhancing resiliency against climate change.

“During this construction season, we put the pedal to the metal on our record-setting efforts to modernize New York’s transportation network and improve travel all across the state,” Governor Hochul said. “These paving and bridge projects will provide motorists in every corner of this state with a smoother ride while also helping to ensure that our transportation network can be among the most resilient and sustainable in the nation.”

During 2023, the New York State Department of Transportation improved 1,586 lane miles along state and local highways, representing a $753 million investment in New York’s roadways. The resurfacing included over 500 lane miles of improvements that were funded from Governor Hochul’s Pave Our Potholes Program. Additionally, NYSDOT replaced or improved 2,833 bridges statewide, totaling a nearly $1.7 billion investment that enhanced safety, improved sustainability and boosted resiliency against severe weather impacts.

Paving and Bridge accomplishments broken down by region included:

	Lane Miles	Bridges
Capital District	132	117
Mohawk Valley	85	157
Central NY	52	434
Finger Lakes	177	320
Western NY	320	745
Southern Tier	221	335
North Country	182	29
Mid-Hudson	175	302
Long Island	208	263
NYC	34	131

State Department of Transportation maintenance forces also worked aggressively throughout the year to combat potholes, filling an estimated 1.1 million potholes during 2023. Potholes are formed primarily due to infiltration of water into pavements through cracks in the surface.

Under Governor’s Hochul’s leadership, New York State is making historic investments in infrastructure. The $32.8 billion, 5-year State Capital Plan adopted in 2022 was the largest ever adopted by the state and will help fulfill the Governor’s vision for a modern transportation system that serves all New Yorkers. The Governor has made improving road conditions a priority with new programs like the Department of Transportation’s Pave Our Potholes, which allocated $500 million to improve local roads and $500 million for state highways as part of the 5-year State Capital Plan. This is in addition to other State programs, such as CHIPS, PAVE NY, State Touring Routes, and other programmed capital projects across the state.

Additionally, the New York State Thruway Authority reinvested $78.3 million in toll dollars to reconstruct or rehabilitate more than 162 lane miles of the Thruway system. In addition to roadway resurfacing, there were also significant safety enhancements made including guiderail repairs, line striping, signage, and drainage improvements.