Guest Viewpoint
It’s Time to Drive the Route 17 Project Home
By DANIEL ORTEGA
Traffic delays are frustrating, but on New York State Route 17 they also can prove dangerous. When drivers are forced into sudden stops and bottlenecks, the consequences go far beyond inconvenience. When emergency vehicles—and their response teams—are slowed by congestion, it becomes a matter of safety, and in some cases, of life and death.
For more than three decades, communities, business leaders and public officials across the Hudson Valley have worked toward a safer, more efficient Route 17. The sensible—and responsible—solution is to add a third lane east and west between Exits 103 (Monticello, Sullivan County) and 131 (Woodbury, Orange County), while making other upgrades to convert the corridor to Interstate 86.
Gov. Kathy Hochul confirmed the state’s commitment to the region and, in 2022, included $1 billion in the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Capital Plan for improvements to the corridor. The Route 17 project is supported by U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and has received bipartisan backing at every level of government. NYSDOT has been responsive to local concerns—taking seriously issues of safety, environmental impact, quality of life and cost. Two independent NYSDOT studies have already made the case clear: increased capacity is needed.
In 2023, Gov. Hochul moved the process forward by launching the Environmental Impact Study, with a draft expected this summer.
The time is right to see this through. The residents of Orange and Sullivan counties have been promised the three-lane expansion, and they deserve it for a safe and sustainable future.
Our 17-Forward-86 coalition has long been advocating for this because we live it—every day. As residents, workers and commuters on Route 17, we know what’s at stake. And it starts with safety. An additional lane would mean faster emergency response, helping police, fire and ambulance teams reach those in need—when every second counts. It would make everyday trips safer, whether driving to work or a medical appointment, or taking children to school or a soccer game. That’s quality time, too.
Here in the Hudson Valley, growth is accelerating. Orange and Sullivan counties rank among the fastest-growing in the state, and tourism is booming—with some 6 million visitors annually to Orange County and more than 4 million to the Sullivan Catskills.
A recent analysis by Hudson Valley-based Colliers Engineering & Design makes clear that the corridor can no longer keep pace with current demand—let alone future growth. The study projects substantial increases in traffic over the next three decades, driven by both regional development and population growth. Weekday congestion is dominated by commuter traffic, while weekend gridlock is fueled by travelers heading to the Catskills and other destinations, often backing onto surrounding roads. The takeaway is clear: A third lane in each direction would meaningfully improve traffic and reduce congestion.
While investing in public transportation is key for long-term sustainability, cars and trucks – whether electric or fuel-powered – will remain part of daily life. Without enhanced capacity, gridlock will worsen, stifling economic opportunities and our quality of life.
Standing still is not a solution.
The planning is nearly done. Our region is united. Now we must build.
We commend Gov. Hochul, her team, and local elected leaders for their efforts. With the environmental review process nearing completion, it’s time to move forward and deliver the long-awaited three-lane enhancement between Orange and Sullivan counties. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve safety, enhance mobility, strengthen our region’s economy and better position the Hudson Valley for the future.
Note: The NYS Route 17 Corridor Study was commissioned by ELEC and 17-Forward-86.
About the author: Daniel Ortega is a founding member of 17-Forward-86, a broad-based coalition of industry, trade and civic representatives who share a common vision for expanding the capacity of Route 17 to ensure the safety and economic well-being of the Hudson Valley and Sullivan Catskills. He also serves as the Community Affairs Chief for Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative Local 825. To learn more, visit www.17Forward86.org.
Published: April 21, 2026.