The Peru Gazette

NYS Department of Transport Press Release

New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee was joined by federal, state and local officials in the Jefferson County today to mark the beginning of a $55.6 million highway project that will link Interstate 81 and the Main Gate of Fort Drum.  This project will improve traffic mobility along the Route 11 corridor and will give an economic boost to the entire Fort Drum area.

“Fort Drum has become the economic engine of Northern New York. This project will continue that progress, and will create much-needed construction jobs,” said Governor David A. Paterson. “The importance of Fort Drum to the North Country cannot be overstated. It is the proud home of the 10th Mountain Division, and those stationed at Fort Drum have become an integral part of the local community. As Fort Drum continues to grow, we in State government will continue to work to address the transportation needs in and around it.”

“The base at Fort Drum is not only a major part of the economy of the area, it is part of the very fabric of society in the area,” said Acting Commissioner Gee. “Transportation is about more than cement and steel; it’s about connecting people to jobs, school, healthcare, emergency services, families and friends. Under Governor Paterson’s leadership, the State Department of Transportation recognized the need for this project in order to enhance mobility along Route 11 adjacent to Fort Drum, and to improve access for the increasing number of people who drive to and from the base, and others who travel in the area.”

Acting Commissioner Gee was joined for a ceremonial ground breaking at the project site by Congressman William Owens, Senator Darrel J. Aubertine, Assemblywoman Dierdre Scozzafava, Assemblywoman Addie Russell and Fort Drum Garrison Commander Colonel Kenneth Riddle.

Congressman Owens said “This project is an investment both in jobs and in our community’s future.  The connector will help us to capitalize on the potential the Fort Drum region has for economic development and job growth, and allow the Fort to continue its large role in the direction of our community.  Additionally, infrastructure projects like this serve to create immediate jobs and help us work our way out of the recession.”
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “This is a great investment for the North Country. Investing in our infrastructure will help improve our roads, connect more of New York, support job creation and help rebuild our economy.”

Senator Aubertine said, “The 10th Mountain Division and the base here at Fort Drum are vital to our national security, good neighbors in our communities and an economic engine. This project allows the base to meet the security needs of our nation with access to a four-lane highway that will support its readiness to deploy. Additionally, the investment will create and support jobs locally. I want to thank and commend our federal representatives, the U.S. Army, the governor, and the dedicated staff of the DOT both locally and in Albany for forging ahead with this project and investing in our communities.”

Assemblywoman Scozzafava said, “The beginning of the project to connect Fort Drum to I-81 via a four lane highway is encouraging for the North Country.  This highway will better connect a pivotal part of the North Country Community while providing numerous benefits to both Fort Drum and the greater Watertown area.  The new four lane highway system (future I-781) will improve the transportation network, ease traffic, and provide for safer travel.  This project is exciting as it improves the infrastructure of the region helping both Fort Drum and the people who live, work, and travel in the surrounding area.”

Assemblywoman Russell said, “This connector road, linking Fort Drum to Interstate 81, is a critical transportation project for the North Country and for the 10th Mountain Division, the Army’s most deployed division.  With its civilian workforce of 4,500 and more than 18,000 active duty soldiers, this project will help stream traffic directly to and from the installation, easing commutes for soldiers, families, and civilians who live and work at Fort Drum and the surrounding communities. Fort Drum, as a major economic engine for the North Country, and an important military installation for our nation’s defenses, will be well-served by this connector road.”

Acting NYSDOT Regional Director Mark E. Frechette said, “The Fort Drum Connector project is a transportation necessity.  As Fort Drum continues to grow and as businesses continue to develop along Route 11, the need for this project becomes more apparent on a daily basis.”

Steve Stallmer, Vice President for Government & Public Affairs for the Associated General Contractors of New York State LLC (AGC NYS) said, “The Fort Drum Connector is a perfect example of the benefits of investing in our state infrastructure.  Residents will soon travel on a safer, more accessible roadway, businesses will able to transport products more efficiently and the local community will benefit from job creation and economic activity during the construction phase.  We look forward to partnering with the NYS Department of Transportation and our federal, state and local government officials on this critical project.”

The project includes the construction of approximately 4.8 miles of new interstate, designated I-781, between Interstate 81 and the Main Gate of Fort Drum.  Also included in the project is the construction of four new bridges as well as major utility relocations along Route 11.

Four bridges will be built to carry the Connector over Interstate 81, Route 37 and Route 11, and to carry Goulds Corners Road over the Connector.  Nellis Road will be severed and re-named Nellis Road North and Nellis Road South.  Full interchanges will be built at Interstate 81 and Route 11.  The Route 11 interchange will be constructed as a Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI), an innovative new design that provides a safe and efficient way to move high volumes of traffic through highway interchanges.  The SPUI will serve as a gateway to Jefferson County and Fort Drum.

New Intelligent Traffic Systems will be installed to help manage traffic flow and will include five permanent Variable Message Signs and three traffic monitoring cameras that will connect to the regional traffic management center.  This traffic technology will make real-time travel information available to users, and will help NYSDOT and emergency personnel respond to incidents right away.

Several environmental enhancements are included in the project, such as 200 acres of grassland preservation area to benefit numerous bird species; 157 acres of forest preservation area to provide habitat for the Indiana Bat, a federally-listed Endangered Species; and creation of eight acres of wetlands.  These environmental enhancements earned the project a Green Leadership in Transportation and Environmental Sustainability (GreenLITES) Evergreen Award, NYSDOT’s highest honor, for incorporating environmental sustainability into project design.

The project, which is being constructed by Lancaster Development of Richmondville, Schoharie County, is scheduled to be completed in August 2012.

During construction, motorists are encouraged to utilize NYSDOT’s free travel information system to get the latest information on traffic impacts.  The system, 511NY, is available by phone at 511 or on the Internet at www.511ny.org <http://www.511ny.org> .

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