A $21.3 million infrastructure improvement project has begun on the state Thruway between Kingston’s Exit 19 and Saugerties’ Exit 20, impacting an estimated 40,000 motorists with lane shifts and closures every day work is being carried out.

The project, the state said, is expected to extend the service life of the roadway and make it safer for drivers.

“This project is a critical investment in the safety and durability of our transportation system,” Gov. Kathy Hochul stated. “It will improve the driving experience for motorists and help to keep the Thruway one of the safest superhighways in the nation.”

The project involves full- and partial-depth pavement repairs, including pavement resurfacing on a 15.5-mile section of I-87 from milepost 93.8 to milepost 109.3 between Exits 19 and 20. The work will be carried out by Callanan Industries Inc. of Albany. Like all road work, the weather will play a factor, but it’s expected to be finished by this fall.

“Ensuring our Thruway is safe and reliable makes a big difference for the thousands of people who drive it daily,” stated state Sen. Michelle Hinchey. “These I-87 upgrades will be a particular quality-of-life game changer for nearby Greene and Ulster residents, and I thank Governor Hochul and Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director [Frank] Hoare for advancing these repairs, which will translate to smoother commutes for all of us.”

“This $21.3 million infrastructure investment will make safety and structural integrity improvements on a stretch of I-87 that goes through our Assembly district,” stated Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha. “Almost 40,000 motorists use this part of the road every day, and I look forward to the completion of this project later this year.”

The project is part of a larger plan to enhance the safety and durability of New York’s transportation system, with a total budget of $451 million for 2024. The funding will be supported by a $500 million increase in the toll revenue, recently approved by state lawmakers.