LIBERTY- Work is getting underway on an $18 million project to resurface and improve safety along a heavily traveled stretch of State Route 17 between the hamlet of Parksville and the Village of Liberty.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the start of the project, which will cover approximately 7.6 miles of roadway and include a series of upgrades designed to improve safety and extend the life of one of Sullivan County’s busiest transportation corridors.
State Route 17 serves as a primary gateway to the Catskills, carrying residents, commuters, students, tourists and commercial traffic to destinations throughout the region, including SUNY Sullivan, local businesses, municipal offices and numerous summer camps.
According to the New York State Department of Transportation, the project will include resurfacing more than 30 lane miles of pavement, repairing concrete joints, installing new guiderails, replacing signs and pavement markings, and adding audible rumble strips intended to reduce roadway departure crashes. Improvements will also be made to ramps at Exits 98, 99, 100, 100A and Short Avenue.
State officials said the improvements are expected to provide a smoother ride, improve traction during wet and icy weather, and reduce future maintenance costs.
“State Route 17 is the front door to the Catskills for residents and visitors seeking the region’s natural beauty and attractions,” Hochul said in announcing the project. She said the investment will make travel “safer, smoother and more reliable” while supporting the region’s economy.
The Route 17 corridor sees an average of about 19,400 vehicles each day during the summer months, when traffic increases due to tourism, seasonal camps and recreational travel.
Construction is expected to continue through two construction seasons, with completion anticipated by winter 2027.
Motorists should expect some delays during construction. The Department of Transportation said one lane of traffic in each direction will remain open throughout the project, although temporary ramp closures are expected. Updates on traffic impacts will be provided as construction progresses.
State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said the investment will improve both safety and reliability for the thousands of people who travel the corridor each year.
Sullivan County Manager Josh Potosek welcomed the project, calling Route 17 “essential to our residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
“Reliable infrastructure is critical to the quality of life and economic vitality of Sullivan County,” Potosek said. “We appreciate Governor Hochul’s commitment to maintaining and improving the roads that connect our communities.”
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