With Route 17 Expansion Paused, Climate Advocates Push for Transit Alternatives

The New York State Department of Transportation has hit pause on its $1.4 billion plan to expand Route 17 through Orange and Sullivan Counties following community pushback. In October, the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) quietly announced it needed more time to review project alternatives.

“Over the past several months, the State Department of Transportation has been evaluating the project alternatives while engaging with stakeholders and the public,” said Jim Rusak, the state’s transportation department’s Region 8 Director.

“As a result, it’s become clear that more time is needed to re-assess the project alternatives in consideration of feedback received and ensure compliance with the new federal requirements and guidelines.”

Environmental and transportation advocates from the coalition ReThink Route17 Alliance are hopeful that the pause signals lawmakers are listening to community concerns – and possibly scrapping the third-lane expansion for good.

“With this pause, we also see a real opportunity to go back to the drawing board altogether,” said Taylor Jaffe, Program Manager at environmental nonprofit Catskill Mountainkeeper, adding that there are still necessary safety upgrades along Route 17 that need investments.

Catskill Mountainkeeper is one of more than 20 local and state organizations part of ReThink Route 17 Alliance, including For the Many, Lake Communities Alliance, and New York State Bicycle Coalition.

State and economic leaders have said the expansion of the 30-mile stretch from exit 113 in Wurtsboro to exit 131 in Monroe is necessary to decrease traffic congestion and accommodate population growth. But environmental advocates urge that adding a third lane would lead to increased congestion, urban sprawl, and more CO2 emissions.

READ: Route 17’s $1.4 Billion Expansion Continues to Spark Debate

The ReThink Route 17 Alliance’s recent report highlighted a slate of alternatives for how the  DOT can spend the $1.4 billion, including investing $5 million to double the number of bus routes in Sullivan County, says Jaffe.

“This could provide hundreds of thousands of rides each year [for] folks who don’t have access to a car, whether it’s young folks or older folks, low-income people, and people with disabilities,” said Jaffe. “That is a really tangible difference in our quality of life if more people are able to use the bus when they need it.”

New York Focus previously reported that the massive project would save drivers just one to six minutes. Jaffe says that transportation investments like fixing potholes and safer roadways could yield a greater impact than saving a few minutes.

“ This is a huge investment and we want it to work for our communities and help create safer streets: both a safer Route 17 and safer streets in our towns, villages and cities,” said Jaffe.

New York’s DOT plans to release its draft environmental impact statement in 2026.

Image Credit: Bird’s eye view of Route 17 (Photo Credit: Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)