Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of a $4.4 million bridge replacement project over I-87 in Greene County. The Cauterskill Road Bridge (milepost 112.7) in the Town of Catskill will be replaced with a modern structure. The current bridge was built in 1955 and carries the Cauterskill Road (County Route 47) over the Thruway (I-87). The bridge is one of dozens more than 60 years old on the Thruway that need to be replaced. Approximately 870 vehicles per day travel over the bridge.

“New York continues to make historic investments in our infrastructure to enhance the safety, durability and lifespan of our transportation system,” Governor Hochul said. “This is one of dozens of projects on the Thruway and state roadways that will ensure communities are connected safely.”

Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Frank G. Hoare, Esq. said, “This project is an example of the Authority’s reinvestment of toll dollars to address aging infrastructure on the Thruway system. This 70-year-old bridge will be replaced with a new structure that will meet modern standards, enhance safety and provide an improved riding experience for motorists.”

State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “This investment to replace the nearly 70-year-old Cauterskill Road Bridge over I-87 in Greene County will help ensure commuters have a safer ride and that our local infrastructure is better equipped to meet the challenges posed by severe weather. I thank the Thruway Authority and Governor Hochul for their partnership in prioritizing the safety and maintenance of our roads and bridges."

Assemblymember Chris Tague said, "The continued refurbishment and improvement of our roads and bridges is an important responsibility of the state, and I'm glad we're once again committing significant resources to ensure the Cauterskill Road Bridge remains strong and reliable. I'm grateful to Governor Hochul and her team for their direction of another $4.4 million to our capital region infrastructure, and I'm glad to hear that our bridges will remain strong and secure for millions of more drivers."

The existing structure will be replaced with a new bridge featuring increased vertical clearance from 14’9” to 16’8”, safety guiderail, snow fencing, and a new riding surface.

Beginning April 1, the Cauterskill Road Bridge will be closed to traffic, and a 12-mile detour will be in place. Motorists should take Cauterskill Road/County Route 47 north, turn right on NY-23 East, then turn right to merge onto US-9W South toward Catskill, stay right onto CauterskillAve., then turn right onto Cauterskill Road. Motorists may encounter traffic slowdowns or stoppages on the Thruway during construction. Variable Message Signs will advise motorists of the construction work and detour information.

Bette & Cring LLC of Latham, NY is the project contractor following a competitive bidding process. Construction is expected to be complete in Fall 2024. The work is weather dependent, and dates are subject to change.

Motorists are urged to be alert and follow the posted work zone speed limits. Fines are doubled for speeding a work zone.

To further enhance safety for workers in a work zone, Governor Hochul signed legislation establishing the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement pilot program. The safety enforcement program began in April 2023 and is in effect in various active construction zones on the Thruway. Work zones with speed camera enforcement will have clear signage leading up to the work zone. Motorists violating the posted speed limit within the work zone will be fined. Violation fines will be issued to the vehicle’s registered owner by mail. More information on the program can be found here.

The Authority’s 2024 Budget invests a total of $451 million to support its Capital Program, which is expected to invest $2.4 billion into capital projects over the next five years—a $500 million increase following the recently enacted toll adjustment. The increased investment will lead to work on approximately half of the Thruway’s more than 2,800 lane miles as well as projects on approximately 90 of Thruway’s 817 bridges.

For up-to-date travel information, motorists are encouraged to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Travelers can also visit the Thruway Authority's interactive Traveler Map which features live traffic cameras. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails, which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.