Construction is under way on a $5.2 million NY Works project to resurface I-81 in the towns of Marathon, Virgil, Lapeer and Cortlandville in Cortland County. The project is estimated to create 70 jobs, and work is scheduled to be completed this fall.
"Through the NY Works program, the state is leveraging and accelerating the funding that is needed to put shovels in the ground now on important repair projects to our transportation infrastructure," Governor Cuomo said. "These highway repairs in Cortland County will make Interstate 81 safer for our motorists and improve a vital link in the Southern Tier – Central New York region."
"Governor Cuomo’s NY Works program speeds up our bridge and highway reconstruction efforts and puts people back to work," Commissioner McDonald said. "The traveling public will see nearly twice as much highway work than just last year. We ask motorists to be patient and drive carefully through construction zones."
This announcement highlights continuing construction for NY Works transportation improvement projects that were enabled by the Governor's 2012-13 budget, which included funding for these projects to move forward. NY Works focuses on improving pavement that is in fair condition and bringing it to good condition. This preventive maintenance work better preserves the state's infrastructure and helps guard against the need for more costly, in-depth construction.
This work in Cortland County between the Broome County line and Exit 14 in Polkville covers a 12-mile section of I-81. Work will include reconstructing pavement joints and removing and replacing pavement.
Senator James L. Seward said, "Safer highways and much-needed construction jobs are among the many benefits of the NY Works program. This project in Cortland County delivers on both accounts and will help boost prospects for business growth. I was pleased to partner with Governor Cuomo to advance these critical infrastructure improvements."
Assembly Member Barbara Lifton said, "This is an important project that wisely uses taxpayer money, gets people back to work and supports Cortland County contractors and other businesses."
Assembly Member Gary Finch said, "Governor Cuomo's NY Works program is fulfilling the goal to maintain and improve the state's roads and bridges. In order to sustain economic development in Upstate New York we must concentrate on our resources and our infrastructure."
The project will improve mobility along I-81, an important economic link between New York, Canada, Pennsylvania and other states to the south.
Traffic is maintained on-site, with one lane available in each direction at all times. Motorists may encounter flaggers directing traffic. It is imperative that motorists remember this season to drive carefully through the many highway and bridge construction zones they will encounter.
