I-95 Upgrade: $86.7M Project Kicks Off in Westchester

WHITE PLAINS, NY (April 8, 2025) — Governor Kathy Hochul announced the start of an $86.7 million pavement improvement and bridge rehabilitation project on a nearly five-mile stretch of the New England Thruway (I-95) in Westchester County on Tuesday. The project, spanning from Pelham Manor to Mamaroneck, will improve the road surface and rehabilitate 12 bridges along a corridor used by approximately 120,000 vehicles daily.

“The New England Thruway is one of the busiest highways in Westchester County, and this project will ensure that it remains safe and dependable for years to come,” Governor Hochul said. “Strengthening our infrastructure across the State remains a top priority, and this modernization will make critical safety improvements to I-95, providing a better driving experience for the millions of travelers who rely on this critical route.”

The project, managed by the New York State Thruway Authority, will cover milepost 4.0 to 8.8, from just south of exit 15 (New Rochelle – The Pelhams – US Route 1) to exit 18A (Mamaroneck – Fenimore Road). It includes pavement repairs on nearly 30 lane miles in both northbound and southbound directions, replacing deteriorated sections, repairing concrete pavement and joints, and installing a two-course asphalt overlay for a smoother ride. Additionally, 12 interchange ramps will be repaired and repaved.

Six bridges, including the Centre Avenue bridge in New Rochelle, the Chatsworth Avenue bridge in Larchmont, and the bridge serving Metro-North Railroad’s Larchmont station, will be rehabilitated, while six other bridges on I-95 will be resurfaced. The project also includes safety upgrades such as new guiderails, lights, reflective line striping, pavement markings, and curb replacement.

“We are continuing our ongoing investment in Interstate 95, one of the most critical highway arteries in the Northeast,” said New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare. “This project will continue this vital work for another five miles in Westchester by upgrading the roadway and its surrounding infrastructure for our neighboring communities, and the motorists that travel this commuter and commercial corridor.”

Most work, including paving operations, will occur overnight to minimize disruptions, though motorists may encounter lane closures, traffic shifts, and stoppages. The project, contracted to DeFoe Corp. of Mount Vernon, N.Y., is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

A separate $61.8 million pavement improvement project on I-95 in the Bronx and southern Westchester, covering milepost 0.0 to 4.0, is set to finish this summer, including the rehabilitation of 11 bridges and improvements to two pedestrian bridges in the Bronx.

“This $86.7 million investment in the New England Thruway is part of the historic momentum we’ve built through the CHIPS program and other transformative infrastructure initiatives across New York State,” said State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “Rehabilitating these bridges and improving pavement along I-95 will enhance safety, ease travel, and support our local economy.”

State Senator Shelley B. Mayer added, “This stretch of road truly needs upgrading and improvement, and I am confident that my constituents will see a notable improvement in road safety and comfort.”

State Senator Nathalia Fernandez noted, “This project will make daily travel safer and smoother for the thousands who rely on I-95 each day. Scheduling construction overnight is a smart, considerate approach that minimizes disruption for nearby families and businesses.”

Assemblymember Amy Paulin said, “This significant investment in the New England Thruway is a tremendous win for the residents of my district—including those in Pelham and New Rochelle who frequently use Exit 15—and for all of Westchester County. The improvements to road surfaces, bridges, and interchanges will enhance safety, reduce wear and tear on vehicles, and improve the daily commute for thousands.”

The Thruway Authority’s 2025 budget allocates $477.3 million for capital projects, an increase of over $33 million from 2024, supporting work on 61 percent of the Thruway’s pavement lane miles and 20 percent of its 817 bridges. Motorists are urged to stay alert, slow down in work zones, and comply with the State’s Move Over Law to ensure the safety of Thruway workers.