MID-HUDSON – The debate over whether NY Route 17 should be widened from two to three lanes in each direction is continuing as Catskill Mountainkeeper has commissioned a study that says the $1.4 billion project is not warranted.
A pro-widening coalition, 17Forward86, claims that it is necessary to promote economic development and tourism and bolster sustainability.
Now, Catskill Mountainkeeper, the leader in the opposition, commissioned a study that says the project is not needed and would not be cost effective.
Mountainkeeper Program Manager Taylor Jaffe said the study from Harriman to west of Monticello demonstrates the fact that the project is unnecessary.
“A lot of the time there is no congestion and in this analysis it is confirmed that it is really only in a short segment around exit 130 and 130A where there can be traffic,” she said. “So, we can do more targeted intervention that will actually make sure that traffic in that area is addressed, get Route 17 up I-86 standards and improve safety, all for a lower cost.”
In the meantime, the state has paused its own review of the project.
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