SULLIVAN COUNTY — A new analysis has renewed calls for widening Route 17 to three lanes in each direction between exit 103 in Monticello and exit 131 in Woodbury.

The report, prepared by Colliers Engineering and Design and commissioned by 17-Forward-86, along with the Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative (ELEC) Local 825, projects steady traffic growth over the next three decades from new development and population increases, and concludes that weekday congestion stems largely from commuter traffic while weekend backups come from Catskills-bound recreational travel, with delays spilling onto local roads.

“The report does not contain any surprises and simply reiterates the findings of previous DOT [Department of Transportation] studies—that there is a clear need for the highway enhancement project,” said Daniel Ortega, a founding member of 17-Forward-86 and Community Affairs Chief for ELEC Local 825.

Colliers’ Richard D’Andrea said the study recommends adding a third lane between Exits 131 and 119 at minimum, while extending to Exit 103 in Sullivan County would support regional growth and minimize disruption through continuous construction.

The state Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration are expected to release a Draft Environmental Impact Statement this year. Lawmakers set aside up to $1 billion in New York’s 2023 budget for Route 17 upgrades.

Environmental
opposition

Environmental groups, led by Catskill Mountainkeeper and the ReThink Route 17 Alliance, say the widening plan is misguided and inconsistent with New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

“Adding nearly 40 miles of expanded highway lanes will only increase traffic, spike pollution and waste taxpayer monies,” said Taylor Jaffe, Environmental Justice Coordinator at Catskill Mountainkeeper. “We’re in a climate crisis and our communities deserve solutions that meet our needs, align with the Climate Law, and promote the health and vibrancy of this region.”

Michael Youhana, Senior Associate Attorney at Earthjustice, said compliance with the climate law “is not a mere box-checking or paperwork-generating exercise. To fulfill its legal obligations, NYSDOT will need to substantially alter its policies, in general, and its vision for the Route 17 Project, in particular.”

Transportation researcher Dr. Rachel Weinberger of the Regional Plan Association added that highway expansions “do just the opposite” of meeting climate obligations because of “induced demand”—the tendency for wider roads to encourage more driving.

Opponents also argue that higher speeds on Route 17 could worsen accidents, that congestion would shift onto local roads during peak periods, and that increased emissions would disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities along the corridor. They contend the $1 billion investment could be more effectively spent on public transportation, local road safety and community-guided mobility planning.