New Analysis Says Future Traffic, Development Growth Warrants Construction of Third Lane on Route 17

NEW HAMPTON—A newly released traffic analysis of the New York State Route 17 corridor concludes that significant traffic and commercial development growth in the coming years validates the critical need for the construction of a third travel lane in each direction between Exits 103 (Monticello, Sullivan County) and 131 (Woodbury, Orange County).

The NYS Route 17 Corridor Study conducted by Valhalla, NY-based Colliers Engineering and Design, underscores the importance of upgrading the corridor to accommodate existing and future traffic volumes and support the region’s continued economic growth.

The analysis projects substantial traffic growth in the corridor over the next 30 years, due both to proposed development and long-term population trends. The study notes that weekday peak-hour congestion on Route 17 stems from heavy commuter volume, while weekend backups are frequently caused by recreational traffic bound for the Catskills and other western destinations. These recurring slowdowns have also led to spillover congestion on nearby state and local roads. The report concludes that a general-use third lane in each direction would significantly improve traffic flow during both weekday peak hours and weekend travel surges. In preparing the NYS Route 17 Corridor Study, Colliers analyzed both current and projected traffic conditions based on anticipated development and long-term regional growth.

The NYS Route 17 Corridor Study was commissioned by Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative (ELEC) Local 825 and 17-Forward-86, a broad-based coalition advocating for improved safety and mobility on Route 17. For more than seven years, 17-Forward-86 has worked to advance long-needed mobility improvements on Route 17 to ensure the safety, sustainability, and prosperity of the Hudson Valley and Sullivan Catskills, which received a commitment of $1 billion in funding by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.

“The report does not contain any surprises and simply reiterates the findings of previous DOT studies—that there is a clear need for the highway enhancement project, as the current infrastructure does not have the capacity to handle the current traffic volume,” said Daniel Ortega, a founding member of 17-Forward-86 and the Community Affairs Chief for ELEC Local 825. “This report will provide additional engineering details that the New York State Department of Transportation can use to further support the project.”

The “New York State Route 17 Mobility & Access Improvements Project” is currently in the draft environmental impact (DEIS) stage. NYSDOT is expected to release the draft environmental impact statement sometime this winter with a public hearing on the DEIS slated shortly thereafter, which will be followed by a 45-day DEIS comment period. The plan would then be subject for further review by NYSDOT with the issuance of a final environmental impact statement (FEIS) and a Record of Decision by the Federal Highway Administration rendered in the spring of 2026.

“The data clearly show that the addition of a third travel lane in each direction is not just beneficial — it’s necessary to accommodate projected traffic volumes and ensure the long-term mobility of this vital corridor,” said Richard G. D'Andrea, P.E., PTOE, at Colliers who prepared the study. “At a minimum, we recommend that new lanes be added from Exit 131 west to Exit 119, where the highest traffic increases are expected. Extending the improvements further west to Exit 103 would provide even greater long-term benefit, supporting regional growth and allowing for a more efficient, continuous construction approach that minimizes disruption to the traveling public.”