ALBANY, N.Y. — Kathy Hochul announced that construction is set to begin on more than $30 million worth of highway and bridge projects across upstate New York, targeting key transportation corridors in Franklin, Niagara and Onondaga counties.
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The investment, overseen by the New York State Department of Transportation, will replace aging bridges, rehabilitate roadways and enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians. The projects are part of a broader statewide push to modernize infrastructure and improve mobility.
“Now that winter has finally loosened its grip on Upstate New York, we are moving full speed ahead with vital investments that will help build back our infrastructure to reconnect communities and meet the demands of the 21st century,” Hochul said. “These highway and bridge projects will ensure the smooth flow of people and goods along vital travel arteries in the North Country and in Western and Central New York, which will further economic growth and make life easier for the tens of thousands of motorists who travel these routes every day.”
A major component of the initiative includes a $10 million project to replace three aging bridges along U.S. Route 11 in Franklin County. Originally built in 1928, the structures serve as a critical link connecting communities such as Potsdam, Malone and Plattsburgh.
The project includes new multi-girder bridges over the Little Salmon River, Lawrence Brook and Farrington Brook, with construction phased through 2026 and 2027. Improvements will feature 12-foot travel lanes, enhanced shoulders for cyclists, upgraded drainage systems and reconstructed approaches.
Traffic will remain partially open during construction, though detours will be implemented at certain locations. The project is expected to be completed by December 2027.
In Niagara County, an $8.92 million rehabilitation project will upgrade Transit Road (State Route 78), a key regional corridor connecting Lockport to Erie County. The work will include milling and resurfacing, drainage upgrades, new pavement markings and pedestrian improvements such as ADA-compliant curb ramps.
Construction crews will perform much of the work at night to reduce traffic disruptions while maintaining two-way traffic. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, with an additional $4.35 million rehabilitation effort planned nearby through 2027.
Meanwhile, in Onondaga County, an $11.2 million project will resurface nearly 20 lane miles of Interstate 81, a major north-south route connecting Syracuse to regional and international destinations. Crews will mill worn pavement and install new asphalt, along with reflective markings to improve visibility.
To minimize congestion, most paving operations will occur overnight, with lane shifts and ramp closures expected during construction. The work is anticipated to be completed this fall.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Thanks to the vision and leadership of Governor Hochul, New York State continues to make historic investments in infrastructure that will connect communities, improve quality of life, and push our economy forward. These improvements to critical roadways in Upstate New York will enhance safety for both pedestrians and motorists, improve travel conditions, and bring the infrastructure up to modern standards in these three counties.”
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Federal and state leaders also highlighted the economic and safety benefits of the projects. U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said, “Thanks to millions in federal funding from my Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Law, we are paving the way for a safer future in communities across Upstate New York. These investments in our bridges will keep people, cyclists, and drivers from Western New York to Central New York to the North Country safe and ensure smoother commutes, all while creating good-paying jobs.”
Rep. John W. Mannion added, “This $11.2 million investment of federal and state funds will resurface nearly 20 lane miles of I-81 with new pavement and other improvements for travelers headed to and from the City of Syracuse, including those using Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Modern, well-maintained infrastructure is essential to keeping people, commerce, and our regional economy moving. I commend Governor Hochul for continuing to prioritize Central New York and making smart investments in the highway infrastructure our communities depend on.”
The projects are part of a larger effort by the state to resurface more than 4,000 lane miles of roadway, marking one of the most ambitious infrastructure programs in New York’s history.
Originally reported by Governor New York Government.
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