NEW YORK STATE DEPARMTENT OF TRANSPORTATION ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF $16.8 MILLION IN PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS ON 26.4 MILES OF INTERSTATE 86
Investment Complements “Southern Tier Soaring” - The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas today announced the completion of $16.8 million in paving on 26.4 miles of Interstate 86, one section between Exit 31 in Angelica, Allegany County and Exit 34 in Hornell, Steuben County, and the other between the Chemung County line and Exit 52A in the Town of Big Flats, Chemung County. I-86 is a gateway to the Southern Tier and serves as the primary route for travel, tourism and commerce throughout the region. The paving improvements, done in two separate projects, also smooth the way to Western New York.
“I-86 is a critical connector and these pavement improvements are helping to preserve the highway so that the Southern Tier can continue to soar,” Acting Commissioner Karas said. “Governor Cuomo’s continued investment in this region’s infrastructure is an investment in local communities, businesses and the future.”
I-86 is a main route for outdoor sporting enthusiasts who travel to the region to hike the Finger Lakes Trail, enjoy canoeing and fishing, or visit Steuben County’s Kanakadea Park in Hornell, which hosts bald eagle nesting sites. I-86 also is one of the most picturesque routes through the Southern Tier, including West Almond Hill in Allegany County, a high point west of the Catskill Mountains.
Exit 31 in Angelica, Allegany County, to Exit 34 in Hornell, Steuben County
This $9.5 million project restored to a smooth condition the pavement surface on 19.4 miles of the mainline travel lanes and shoulders of the highway, including resurfacing ramps at the interchanges and a portion of Karr Valley Road at Exit 32. Additionally, some roadside guiderail and reflectors were replaced and upgraded to enhance safety. Minor finishing work remains, including the installation of temporary road striping this month and permanent striping next spring when the weather warms.
From the Chemung County line to Exit 52A, Big Flats, Chemung County
This $7.3 million project restored seven miles of pavement and made minor repairs to interchange bridges. Maintenance paving is the most cost-effective approach to keeping New York’s highways in a state of good repair. This investment delays the need for more costly, in-depth repairs in the future. The repair and modernization of our state’s transportation infrastructure enhances safety and ensures that the state and local communities remain economically competitive.
