Drivers who frequently use the I-90 between Exist 57A and 58 through the Cattaraugus Territory will soon find their ride a little smoother.

Work has begun on the three-mile stretch of roadway following Wednesday’s agreement between the New York State Thruway Authority and Seneca Nation of Indians over repairs.

Already there are some partial lane closures going east and westbound on this stretch of road.

The Thruway Authority said before a full reconstruction project begins, they’ll take care of urgent repairs like filling potholes and repainting lines to enhance visibility.

Part of the overall project will include nearly five inches — in total about 60,000 tons of pavement — being dug up and removed. As this is the first time the state has had the authority to inspect this roadway in more than seven years, they’ll have to then see what other repairs may or may not be necessary.

“We’re going to learn a lot about the condition of the highway and, in particular, as it exists on the concrete base which is critically important to this super highway,” said Matthew Driscoll, executive director of the New York State Thruway Authority.

Because the Thruway Authority doesn’t know the extent of what repairs are needed, there’s no price tag on the project yet.

The state also wants drivers to remember to slow down in these work zones and be cautious of workers along the road.

The project is expected to be complete in eight to 10 weeks but if the weather causes any delays, work will start back up as soon as possible in the spring.