Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - If you're used to driving on Interstate 190 (I-190) to get to work or go home on a regular basis, be ready for some significant delays on your travels over the next several months.
A major $61.8 million pavement rehabilitation and safety enhancement project is set to get underway Monday along the I-190 in Buffalo and Cheektowaga. Work will take place between Exit 1 (South Ogden Street - Dingens Street) and Exit 5 (Hamburg Street - Louisiana Street) in both directions, and is expected to be completed in stages over the next two-and-a-half years.
According to the New York State Thruway Authority, the project covers approximately 21 lane miles and includes full and partial depth repairs to existing concrete to restore deteriorating portions of the roadway, as well as a new asphalt riding surface. Crews will also resurface the interchange ramps and bridges within the area of the project.
Additionally, the vertical clearance at each bridge will be increased, repairs will be made to bridge decks, and bridge joints will be replaced.
Other safety improvements include new overhead lighting, guiderails and signage. Repairs will also be made to drainage structures.
"Anybody that's driven this stretch of the 190 knows this work is needed. It's time for us to take those toll dollars and reinvest them in rebuilding and modernizing our infrastructure. So this project is critical," said Kelly Holland with the Buffalo Division of the New York State Thruway Authority.
Severe delays are expected throughout the duration of this infrastructure project, which is expected to be completed in late 2028. Holland is asking for drivers to exercise patience throughout the duration of this project.
"We ask anybody that uses this area to please be patient with us, and to make sure you're following all posted work zone speed limits to keep our workers safe, to keep travelers safe," Holland said. "We're urging drivers, if you can, to seek alternate routes. The 33 is a great way to get in-and-out of the city, or if you're coming from the Southtowns, you may want to use Route 5 or Route 20 as well. But we're asking for patience, and we're asking for drivers to please be safe."
The last time this section of I-190 has undergone significant work was in 2009 when joint and pavement repairs were made. A project of this magnitude has not been performed on this portion of the I-190 since the late 1980s.
Holland is expecting the first few weeks of the project to be the worst.
"It takes motorists a few days to sit in traffic before they change their routine, so bear with us," she said. "This work is critical for us to get done. It's to modernize this stretch of the Thruway that really needs that. We've spent the winter months doing critical outreach, NITTEC has been a key partner with us and making sure that we've reached out to local emergency management teams, first responders. Key employers in that area, such as Catholic Health, have all been notified."
Construction will be completed in three sections, with work starting at the South end of I-190 near Exit 1. Over the course of the project, crews will work their way North to Exit 5.
Traffic will be reduced from three lanes to two lanes in both directions throughout the duration of the project. There will also be intermittent ramp closures at various times. All traffic patterns will return to normal during the winter months.
The majority of the construction will take place during the day. Work is weather dependent and subject to change.
An average of 78,000 vehicles travel this three-and-a-half mile stretch each day.
Digital messaging boards will be used to relay important information to motorists.
This project is adjacent to a pavement improvement project that includes a 6.5-mile stretch from Exit 53 (Buffalo [Downtown] - Canada – Niagara Falls – I-190) to just East of Exit 50 (Niagara Falls – I-290) in both directions. The speed limit is reduced to 45 mph in this work zone.
Motorists are urged to be alert and follow the posted work zone speed limits. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Motorists should be aware of an increase in points for violations of speeding in a construction zone.
"Anybody that's driven this stretch of the 190 knows this work is needed" - Kelly Holland, New York State Thruway Authority
"Anybody that's driven this stretch of the 190 knows this work is needed" - Kelly Holland, New York State Thruway Authority
