$135 Million for the Last Mile on I-95 Begins Soon

The City of Rye alerted residents the "Last Mile" project to complete the final one mile stretch from exit 22 (Port Chester – Rye- Midland Avenue) to the Connecticut state line will begin soon.

"The New York State Thruway Authority has started preparing for the Last Mile Project on I-95," the City of Rye said in its announcement. "The actual start date has not been released but contractors have begun staging. They have moved some equipment into the area and have placed trailers to serve as their temporary offices. As soon as the City receives the official starting date, we will send notification."

The project will cost $135 million dollars. What is the Last Mile? Here is how the Thruway Authority describes the project:

"The 15 mile section of the New England Thruway (I-95) carries traffic from New York City to the Connecticut border. Over the past decades, 14 miles of the highway in the Bronx, Pelham, New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, Harrison and Rye have been reconstructed. This project will complete the reconstruction of the "last mile," improve motorists' experience and increase the safety along this section of I-95. The project spans approximately one mile and 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 in Westchester County. It also includes replacement of the Cross Westchester Expressway ramp bridge and the Grace Church Street bridge over the Thruway, and resurfacing of the Byram River bridge."

See the Thruway Authority news release below. 

THRUWAY AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON $135 MILLION INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT ON I-95 IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY
Project Focuses on “Last Mile” of New England Thruway to Connecticut Border 
Road and Ramp Reconstruction, Noise Barrier Erection, and Other Upgrades Designed to Improve Safety and Traffic Flow 
View Maps of the Project Here

The New York State Thruway Authority today announced 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 miles of I-95 in the Bronx, Pelham, New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, Harrison and Rye have been reconstructed. This current project focuses on the final one mile 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. from Yonkers, NY 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 (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 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 are also 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 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 (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 can also find more information about the project, maps and progress updates on the website.

Senator Shelley Mayer said, “The Thruway Authority is performing critical infrastructure repairs, road improvements, and alleviating noise pollution on the last mile of I-95. Though they’re doing important work, the traffic and noise disruptions may cause stress and challenges for local community members. I would like the residents who are impacted by the work on I-95 to know that, in addition to the resources provided by the Thruway Authority, they can turn to my office for any questions or concerns they have while this work is ongoing. Thank you to the Thruway Authority for its responsiveness to community concerns, thorough communication with officials, and for taking on this project to improve this important road in the district.” 

Assemblyman Steve Otis said, “The Thruway Authority is about to undertake the large and necessary “Last Mile” project to address safety issues at the I-95/I-287 merge to the Connecticut border. Thanks go to the Authority, which adjusted many elements of the plan to address the concerns of local governments and residential neighbors. There is no doubt that a project of this scale will cause disruptions and invite questions. The Thruway Authority is making available multiple ways residents can get updated information or convey real-time concerns during construction. As always, my office is also available to help with any concerns.”

Real-time traffic information and navigation assistance is available on the Thruway Authority’s mobile app, which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. 
Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails, which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway. Traffic information is also displayed on the Thruway Authority’s interactive Traveler’s Map.