Geddes (WSYR-TV) – Folks who use the New York State Thruway between Route 690 and points west of Syracuse should be prepared for a longer commute. A 15-mile stretch of the highway will be rebuilt over the next three years.
Signs warning commuters about the lengthy construction project have been posted on various roads across the area.
The $128 million project will replace the entire roadway between Exit 39 in Geddes and Exit 40 in Weedsport. The section of highway is more than 50 years old, according to the State Thruway Authority.
Road work began last fall, when the shoulders on the westbound lanes of the roadway were expanded.
Beginning April 6th, traffic heading eastbound toward Syracuse will be routed onto the westbound lanes of the highway. The Thruway says the eastbound side of the highway will be ripped apart, and new lanes made of concrete will be constructed.
Starting later next month, all eastbound traffic will be moved to the westbound side of the highway. The construction plan calls for a five mile stretch in between the two exits to be rebuilt first. Work will then move to the two five mile segments closest to both exit 39 and 40.
Two lanes of traffic will be open in each direction during peak travel times only.
Once construction is done with the eastbound lanes in 2009, the same thing will be done for westbound commuters in 2010.
Four bridges along the stretch of highway will also be rebuilt.
Drivers can get the latest traffic information by calling 1-800 THRUWAY.
The project is scheduled for completion in 2011.
