I-95's 'Last Mile' To See Major Reconstruction

PORT CHESTER, NY — The “Last Mile” — that stretch of Interstate 95 from Exit 22 (Port Chester-Rye-Midland Avenue) to the Connecticut state line — will see a $135 million infrastructure improvement project. The New York State Thruway Authority made the announcement Monday that the project, which is scheduled to begin this summer, will include wider shoulders, updated pavement markings and the installation of guide rails and barriers.

All three lanes on I-95 in both directions will be reconstructed.

Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said the long-anticipated undertaking is finally coming to fruition.

“This comprehensive project will benefit the thousands of motorists who travel this stretch of I-95 every day and improve the quality of life for residents who live nearby, bringing the roadway to modern standards and increasing safety,” he said.

Over the past several decades, 14 miles of I-95 from the Bronx to Rye have been reconstructed.

This final 1 mile portion of the interstate carries more than 140,000 motorists travel every day.

Other aspects of the construction project include:

Ramp Upgrades

The area contains a six-ramp interchange system with the Cross Westchester Expressway (I-287) and Midland Avenue in the City of Rye and Village of Port Chester.

Several ramps will be upgraded and reconfigured to improve traffic flow.

Work includes:

• Replacement and realignment of the I-287 eastbound to I-95 northbound ramp bridge
• Realignment of the ramp from Midland Avenue to connect directly to I-95 northbound (Note: Motorists should be aware this ramp will be closed for the majority of the project. A detour route has been developed and will be displayed with roadway signage.)
• Widening of I-95 southbound to provide a two-lane exit ramp to I-287 westbound
• Improvements to the I-95 northbound/Midland Avenue Interchange

Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation

The project also includes work on several bridges, which will be replaced or rehabilitated.

• Replacement of Grace Church Street bridge over I-95 (milepost 14.46)
• Rehabilitation of the Boston Post Road bridge (milepost 13.71), Purchase Street bridge (milepost 13.48) and the Blind Brook culvert bridge (milepost 13.34), and the Byram River bridge (milepost 14.93)

Residential Impact

The Thruway Authority and state Department of Transportation have worked extensively with the community over several years to discuss the project and the residential and traffic impact during construction. Feedback received from community members was taken into consideration by the Thruway Authority during the design phase and when selecting a contractor.

Studies conducted during the design phase indicated several areas qualified for the installation of noise walls, visual barriers and retaining walls, which are also included in the project.

The Thruway Authority, DOT and the contractor will be available to provide information and answer questions from community members throughout the project.

Traffic Impact

The project was designed to align with Governor Cuomo's Drivers First Initiative, to ensure construction will have the least possible impact on motorists.

Work will be completed in stages, with lanes maintained to accommodate traffic volume demand and minimize disruptions.

During construction, motorists should expect traffic shifts, detours and temporary traffic stops. Motorists are urged to be alert and follow the posted work zone speed limits.

Traffic information will be broadcast on variable message signs, highway advisory radio, on the Thruway Authority’s website, in addition to the Thruway Authority’s dedicated “Last Mile” webpage. Residents and motorists can also find more information about the project, maps and progress updates on the website.

Photo credit: Google Maps.