The New York State Thruway Authority announced on Aug. 20 that construction began on a $135 million infrastructure improvement project on a section of the New England Thruway (I-95) in Westchester County known as the “Last Mile.”

During the past several decades, 14 mi. of I-95 in the Bronx, Pelham, New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, Harrison and Rye have been reconstructed. This current project focuses on the final 1-mi. stretch from exit 22 (Port Chester-Rye-Midland Avenue) to the Connecticut state line, which more than 140,000 motorists travel every day.

“This long-anticipated project to upgrade the 'Last Mile' is finally coming to fruition,” Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said. “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.”

ECCO III Enterprises Inc. of Yonkers, N.Y., was awarded the Design-Bid-Build Best Value contract. Work is expected to be completed in 2021.

There are several major components to the project:

• I-95 Reconstruction — The project includes reconstruction of the I-95 mainline (milepost 14.1 to milepost 15.0) along with safety upgrades including wider shoulders, updated pavement markings and the installation of guiderails and barriers. All three lanes on I-95 in both directions will be reconstructed.
• 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;
• widening of I-95 southbound to provide a two-lane exit ramp to I-287 westbound; and
• 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 New York 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 also are included in the project.

The Thruway Authority, Department of Transportation 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 Gov. 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 (VMS), Highway Advisory Radio (HAR), on the Thruway Authority's website, in addition to the Thruway Authority's dedicated “Last Mile” webpage. Residents and motorists also can find more information about the project, maps and progress updates on the website.

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