New York Construction Report staff writer
New York State has reached a milestone in the environmental review process for the State Route 17 mobility and access improvement project. This initiative aims to enhance safety and mobility along a 30-mile stretch between Wurtsboro in Sullivan County and Interstate 87 in Orange County.
The recently completed scoping report evaluates preliminary concepts and identifies alternatives for further study, including potential improvements such as additional travel lanes and new roadways designed to separate through traffic from vehicles entering or exiting the highway. The project is expected to reduce motor vehicle crashes, improve accessibility for all users, enhance roadway resiliency, and facilitate federal interstate designation for State Route 17.
“State Route 17 is a product of the mid-20th century that no longer meets the needs of 21st-century New Yorkers,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “This report reflects our commitment to modernize this vital roadway, reduce congestion, enhance safety, promote tourism, and improve quality of life in rapidly growing regions.”
The project addresses operational and safety deficiencies along the heavily trafficked corridor, which connects the Mid-Hudson, Catskills, and Southern Tier regions. Multi-modal improvements will also be considered.
As part of the scoping process, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), in collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration, solicited input from the public and stakeholders. Two build alternatives, along with a no-build option, will be further studied in an upcoming Environmental Impact Statement, expected to be published in 2025.
One proposed alternative maintains the existing two-lane layout while introducing auxiliary lanes and collector-distributor roads to enhance safety by separating through traffic from vehicles exiting or entering the highway. A second alternative proposes adding a third travel lane along with new auxiliary lanes and collector-distributor roads.
Safety improvements, including modifications to slopes and curves, shoulder upgrades, and enhancements to pedestrian and mass transit accommodations, will be integrated into both build alternatives. Key interchanges, including Exit 120, will be reconstructed as part of the upgrades.
Recent investments in the Mid-Hudson Valley, including the expansion of Woodbury Common Premium Outlets and the construction of LEGOLAND, underscore the region’s growth. NYSDOT has already completed projects aimed at improving safety on sections of Route 17, including the reconstruction of critical interchanges.
NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez emphasized the importance of community engagement throughout the process. “The scoping report is an important milestone, but our work is ongoing. We will continue to collaborate with the community to ensure the project meets local needs and enhances safety.”
For more information, the scoping report is available on the NYSDOT website.
