Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll announces the repair of the 4-mile stretch of thruway.

SILVER CREEK — The New York State Thruway Authority announced work on a critical infrastructure project to repair and completely rebuild four miles of the state Thruway (I-90) that traverses the Cattaraugus Territory in Western New York.

The first phase of the project on I-90 between exit 57A (Eden-Angola) and exit 58 (Silver Creek) began last fall following an agreement with the Seneca Nation of Indians. The second phase, which started about a week ago should be finished in July.

“We are delivering on our promise to reconstruct and rebuild the roadway to enhance the safety of our motorists,” Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said. “Following the temporary repairs the Thruway made last fall to improve road safety ahead of the winter months, our contractor is now mobilized and ready to get to work.

Phase one of the project was completed in the fall by Thruway maintenance workers and included temporary partial-depth repairs to the most severely deteriorated sections of the road and shoulders and new line striping.

Phase two of the project includes full depth pavement repairs to more than 14 lane miles of pavement, including the removal of five inches of the existing asphalt pavement surface, repairs to the underlying original concrete pavement and installation of new asphalt pavement. The road is said to last at least 10 years before needing any major repairs.

“I also want to emphasize the importance for travelers to be mindful of the men and women that are working along that system behind those barriers and cones because they want to get home to their families at the end of their shift as well. So, we ask the public to pay special attention as they traverse through the workzone,” said Driscoll.

Right now, workers are working on both sides of the Thruway. The construction crews have merged the traffic into one lane on each side, on the right hand side of each side. The speed limit had been changed to 45 mph throughout the construction zone, causing delays.

“In fact, it’s interesting to note, this is the first major construction project on the section since back in 2003 and the first full rebuild since 1987. So the magnitude of this project is far overdue,” said Driscoll.

Road shoulders will also be fully reconstructed. In addition to an improved driving surface, the project includes numerous safety upgrades such as guiderail replacement, ditch cleaning and new line striping for enhanced visibility.

Union Concrete and Construction Corp. of West Seneca submitted the low bid contract proposal and expects to complete the $20 million project by the end of July. Crews will generally be working 24-hour shifts six days a week with a workforce of 50 employees on site each day to complete the project.

Lane closures and minimal delays are anticipated through the duration of the project. Drivers can find scheduled lane closures before traveling on the Thruway’s website and by using its free mobile app. When completed, the speed limit on this section will be returned to 65 mph.

Motorists are reminded to following New York’s Move Over Law, which requires motorists to drive with care, slow down, and safely move over when approaching emergency or hazard vehicles that are stopped along roads across the state.

Additionally, in accordance with New York state law, speeding fines are doubled in work zones.

“When complete, the thousands of drivers that travel this section of the Thruway each day will have a smoother and safer drive for many years to come,” said Driscoll.