Albany

Calling the Capital Region "an international gateway for tourism and commerce," Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday announced the award of a $50 million contract to make the gateway's airport more accessible.

Contractor Lancaster Development and Tully Construction Co. will begin sitework preparation this winter for a new Exit 4 that includes a flyover bridge to carry northbound traffic off the Northway to a new intersection with Albany Shaker Road close to the Albany International Airport.

Other improvements include a new southbound off-ramp that connects with the flyover ramp, and an extension of the on-ramp on the northbound side near the Times Union building that will essentially turn that stretch of the Northway into a four-lane highway as far as the Route 155 interchange, giving drivers more distance in which to merge.

The project is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2020.

"Coupled with our historic investment in Albany International Airport and airports all across upstate New York, this connector will help improve the quality of life for people across the Capital Region while enhancing economic development opportunities," Cuomo said.

Albany airport officials are working on projects totaling $42.1 million, with $22.1 million of that from the state, to update and expanded the airport. A 1,000-car parking garage and enclosed pedestrian bridge to the terminal, new signage, and upgraded restroom facilities at the airport, the second busiest upstate after Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

"Governor Cuomo's announcement of a new I-87 connector to the Albany International Airport will provide travelers with direct access to our terminal while reducing traffic congestion for travelers and area residents and comes at a time when the airport is programming major terminal improvements to meet the needs of today's travelers and our growing family of airlines," said Rev. Kenneth Doyle, chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority.

The airport expects to handle 1.5 million passenger boardings next year, which is its design limit. Plans are in the works for additional gate and terminal space.

On Wednesday, Allegiant Air, the latest carrier to begin service at Albany, will launch flights to Fort Myers, Fla. Earlier this autumn, Frontier Airlines also began serving Albany.