I am pleased to announce that almost $26 million will be put into repairing 194.1 lane miles of state roads across Northern New York, with construction beginning this summer or approaching fall. The money will come from the Department of Transportation’s five-year capital plan. Counties included in this project are Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence, with an expected completion date by the end of the year.

As many residents of small towns with limited route options know, when roads fall in to disrepair, even the most simple of daily tasks such as going to work or getting the kids to school can become difficult. This is why it is crucial that we repair these roads as soon as we can, especially after a long winter season with plows damaging the streets. Left unattended, the damage will worsen and repair costs will skyrocket. New Yorkers can drive with peace of mind knowing these repairs will be made before another winter season can make roads worse.

The roads that will be under repair for these next few months include Route 26 between Martinsburg and Route 12 in Lowville and Martinsburg, Route 177 between Beetle Road and Route 12 in Harrisburg and Lowville, Route 12 between the Lowville town line and Route 26 in Lowville, Route 126 between Beaver Falls and Route 812 in New Bremen and Croghan, as well as Route 126 on the Jefferson county line to Beaver Falls in Croghan.

The safety of New Yorkers is something we should always consider, but we also need to make sure this construction has a minimal affect on traffic and daily life. I applaud Gov. Cuomo for this much needed investment into our highway system. I am excited for repairs to begin soon and hope that we can get this project completed in a swift and smooth manner.

I want to know what you think about this or any other legislative matter. Please contact me by emailing blankenbushk@nyassembly.gov or by calling my office at 315-493-3909