MID-HUDSON – The State Department of Transportation and its consultants continue the work of studying the possible addition of a third lane of traffic on Route 17 from Harriman to Monticello.
The agencies held an online workshop Thursday evening to discuss the status if their work and project options.
Despite the continued analysis of traffic and environmental data collected in 2018, no decisions have been made, noted DOT engineer Bill Gorton.
“We haven’t identified what the limit of the third lane would be. Part of the evaluation in determining that limit is meetings like tonight’s and the traffic analysis and input from the public, so that is part of the outcome of this whole study process is to look at logical projects to progress and move forward,” he said.
So far, the study has considered widening the highway just from Harriman to the Town of Wallkill and the entire 45-mile stretch.
The Harriman interchange with Route 6 and the Town of Wallkill interchange with Route 211 has been identified as the two most congested areas.
The study has also looked at possible exit closures and exit enhancements.
If the entire length of the highway under review were to be widening, it is estimated to cost $790 million.
Officials hope to have this portion of the study completed and presented to the public late this year.
NEWS STORY PROVIDED BY: Mid Hudson News -www.midhudsonnews.com