WILMINGTON, N.Y. --- Work is underway to repair the Whiteface Mountain Veterans’ Memorial Highway, in Wilmington, N.Y., while at the same time the eight-mile long scenic highway will open for the season, this Saturday, May 17. In Nov. 2013, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced $12-million in state funding to repair the Highway which takes cyclists, hikers and motorists to the summit of the state’s fifth highest peak. 

Completed in 1935 and dedicated to Veterans of all wars, the Highway is a major north country attraction.  More than 70,000 people travel it each year, between mid-May and mid-October.  Once at the summit, guests can enjoy unparalleled views of the Adirondack high peaks. 

Over the next two years, work is being done to reconstruct and rehabilitate the driving surface to make for a smoother ride and culverts will be repaired or replaced to improve drainage. The project will also involve the restoration of many of the Highway's historic elements, while also fixing the rock walls and re-setting the quarry stone barrier stones along the road.

Work will also include improving the septic system that services the castle at the summit, and replacing the water line that supplies water to that building.

Beginning this week and continuing through June 30, the Highway will be open Saturdays and Sunday, between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.  The Highway will also be open Monday, May 26, from 9-5:30 p.m.

From July 1 and continuing through Sept. 1, the Highway will be open seven days a week, between 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., before resuming back to Saturday and Sunday operations, Sept. 6-Oct. 5, between 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

The cost to visit the Whiteface Mountain Veterans’ Memorial Highway is $10 for vehicle and driver, and $7 for each additional passenger.  Cyclists can summit the Highway for just $6.

For more information, visit http://www.whiteface.com/activities/memorial-highway.

For more information about all of ORDA’s Olympic venues, log onto www.whitefacelakeplacid.com.

-- ORDA --

Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface, Belleayre and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speed skating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the Authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.