The work known by the State as 'Phase II" of the project is a more scaled back version of original design work done two years ago. Omitted will be the extensive culvert replacements and shoulder work. However, officials say the road will be completely resurfaced by the process of grinding up the current roadbed, recycling the material and re-paving with a mixture of the old and new asphalt. Funding for the work is part of the Governor's $15 billion Works Program provided though the Federal Transportation Jobs Act. The work will be bid out or contracted as it was with Phase I.

The State's announcement indicates the work will be done in a "fairly short period of time" and that "we expect that Route 22 will remain open to traffic while construction work takes place."  Traffic flow will be interrupted with either alternating one-way or by utilizing reduced-width travel lanes.

Comments on the recent news has drawn mixed reactions. Some say "it's about time!" others say "it's not enough." Anyone familiar with the road knows that it was first 'surfaced' in the 1920's (The original road was build in 1799 by Platt Rogers of Plattsburgh.) with concrete slabs. Over the years, layers of asphalt have built up resulting in large 'heave cracks'  According to the State, the only way to completely eliminate the issue would be what is known as a 'total re-construction" but the costs associated with this scope of work would be astronomical. When contacted by WillsboroNY.com, Willsboro town Supervisor Edward Hatch(D) commented "Glad to get it done."