The Government of New York in the US has completed a $17.7m pavement restoration project on the New York State Thruway (I-90) between Albany and Schenectady.

Roadway improvements and safety upgrades between exit 24 (Albany, I-87 & I-90) and exit 25 (Schenectady, I-890) were taken up under this project.

Nearly 77,000 motorists use the corridor each day.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said: "Investing in New York's transportation infrastructure today is vital to ensuring its viability well into the future.

"The completion of this critical pavement restoration project will offer motorists travelling between Albany and Schenectady a smoother commute while ensuring the safety and reliability of this important artery for years to come."

"The completion of this critical pavement restoration project will offer motorists travelling between Albany and Schenectady a smoother commute."

The project was executed in two phases, which included installation of new guide rails, signage, and improved drainage to more than six miles of the Thruway eastbound and westbound.

Some of the significant works carried out during the project included removal of the existing asphalt pavement, full depth repairs to the underlying concrete and asphalt, as well as placement of the new asphalt pavement over 36 lane miles of pavement.

Thruway Authority executive director Bill Finch said: "This project is a strategic investment of our motorist's toll dollars, which will continue to provide them with a safe, reliable highway long into the future."

The two-year project was completed on time and budget.

The majority of the construction work was carried out by the Troy-based Rifenburg Construction firm.