Colliers’ traffic analysis findings support the addition of a third lane in each direction from Harriman to Middletown

Hudson Valley, NY — [Aug. 12, 2025] — A new traffic analysis of the New York State Route 17 corridor confirms the critical need for a third travel lane in each direction between Exits 103 (Monticello, Sullivan County) and 131 (Woodbury, Orange County). The NYS Route 17 Corridor Study by Hudson Valley-based Colliers Engineering and Design underscores the importance of upgrading the corridor to accommodate existing and future traffic volumes and support the region’s continued economic growth.

The analysis projects substantial traffic growth over the next 30 years, due both to proposed development and long-term population trends. The study notes that weekday peak-hour congestion on Route 17 stems from heavy commuter volume, while weekend backups are frequently caused by recreational traffic bound for the Catskills and other western destinations. These recurring slowdowns have also led to spillover congestion on nearby state and local roads. The report concludes that a general-use third lane in each direction would significantly improve traffic flow during both weekday peak hours and weekend travel surges.

In preparing the NYS Route 17 Corridor Study, Colliers analyzed both current and projected traffic conditions based on anticipated development and long-term regional growth. The findings clearly support the addition of a third lane in each direction from Harriman to Middletown and emphasize that previous studies by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) have also identified this need. Unlike theoretical models, this locally informed study reflects the realities of the corridor’s growing communities and planned industrial development.

“The report does not contain any surprises and simply reiterates the findings of previous DOT studies — that there is a clear need for the highway enhancement project, as the current infrastructure does not have the capacity to handle the current traffic volume,” said Daniel Ortega, a founding member of 17-Forward-86 and the Community Affairs Chief for Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative (ELEC) Local 825. “This report will provide additional engineering details that the DOT can use to further support the project.”

The NYS Route 17 Corridor Study was commissioned by ELEC and 17-Forward-86, a broad-based coalition advocating for improved safety and mobility on Route 17. For more than seven years, 17-Forward-86 has worked to advance long-needed mobility improvements on Route 17 to ensure the safety, sustainability, and prosperity of the Hudson Valley and Sullivan Catskills. Enhancing capacity on Route 17 has received longstanding bipartisan support, including from U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and the coalition’s efforts have contributed to the inclusion of up to $1 billion in New York State’s 2023 budget.

The study comes at a pivotal moment as NYSDOT and the Federal Highway Administration prepare to release a Draft Environmental Impact Statement in 2025. 17-Forward-86 urges that the full three-lane expansion from Harriman to Sullivan County be advanced now, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to invest in a corridor vital to the region’s quality of life, economic resilience, and long-term connectivity.

The third lane is a critical variable companies are weighing as they evaluate location options in the Hudson Valley. Case in point: Garonit Pharmaceutical, a global manufacturer of antiseptic products and health care solutions, just announced it will build a 200,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Orange County. This will be the largest antiseptic manufacturing facility in the world, and they chose to locate here.

“The data clearly show that the addition of a third travel lane in each direction is not just beneficial — it’s necessary to accommodate projected traffic volumes and ensure the long-term mobility of this vital corridor,” said Richard G. D’Andrea, P.E., PTOE, at Colliers who prepared the study. “At a minimum, we recommend that new lanes be added from Exit 131 west to Exit 119, where the highest traffic increases are expected. Extending the improvements further west to Exit 103 would provide even greater long-term benefit, supporting regional growth and allowing for a more efficient, continuous construction approach that minimizes disruption to the traveling public.”

ABOUT 17-FORWARD-86: 17-Forward-86 was established in August 2018 by representatives of economic development, construction, environmental stewardship, tourism, business, health care and energy companies who support the expansion of Route 17. The coalition of more than 100 members shares a vision of expanding the capacity of Route 17 to strengthen the economic well-being of the Hudson Valley and Sullivan Catskills.

MEDIA CONTACT: Caryn McBride:cmcbride@cocommunications.com