When faced with a challenge, leaders act. Problems require solutions—they seldom resolve themselves—and if ignored, usually worsen over time. Case in point: Route 17, a major corridor in the Hudson Valley region. 

Efforts are underway to improve mobility on Route 17 in Orange and Sullivan counties by adding a third lane east and west, and making other upgrades. 

Enhancing safety on Route 17 is of paramount importance, and we cannot afford further delays. 

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has been very responsive to local concerns and has addressed considerations ranging from safety, the environment, quality-of-life and projected financial costs. The need for an additional travel lane has been confirmed by two separate NYSDOT studies and has bipartisan support at all levels of government. The project has long been supported by U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer. Gov. Kathy Hochul last year announced the start of an environmental review of Route 17, which followed the inclusion of up to $1 billion in the state budget—funding for which our 17-Forward-86 coalition advocated. 

17-Forward-86 members are vocal proponents of this project. Yes, we are stakeholders—we live here, work here and travel on Route 17. Our main priority is safety. An additional lane will improve mobility and provide critical access for police, fire and ambulance services. It will make the corridor safer for all of us traveling on it each day. 

An additional lane will alleviate traffic to our many tourist destinations and help local businesses that depend on deliveries and transports by allowing vehicles to move more efficiently. Less traffic means less idling—and fewer emissions polluting our environment.

Widening Route 17 will not draw more traffic—it will facilitate the existing level more expeditiously. In 2014, the New Jersey Turnpike opened its newly widened highway in central New Jersey. The region, similar to the Hudson Valley, had seen an increase in population and jobs amid company expansions and the roadway reached capacity resulting in a chronically congested 35-mile stretch. The turnpike expansion resulted in reduced traffic and idling emissions, fewer accidents and fatalities, and renewed economic development opportunities.

If we build another lane, will more people come? The fact is, we’re already here. Our region has seen a dramatic rise in population. Orange County has the fourth-fastest growing population in the state, increasing at a rate of more than nine percent between 2010 and 2023. Sullivan County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. Tourism is booming! Some six million people visit Orange County each year. The Sullivan Catskills draw upward of four million. They travel along Route 17.

Route 17 reaches beyond Orange and Sullivan counties. It is a key transportation corridor in New York State and a link for commercial and noncommercial traffic between New York City, Northern New Jersey, Pennsylvania and regions within our state (Hudson Valley, Catskills and the Southern Tier). It also is the main corridor for students traveling to institutions of higher learning.

Investment in public transportation is an important part of the long-term sustainability for our region, and a one-seat ride into midtown Manhattan from Port Jervis or Middletown should be part of the plan. However, we know vehicles—cars and trucks, electric or internal combustion—will continue to be part of our lives. 

Infrastructure upgrades are investments in our future. Consider the $4 billion Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, which generated more than 6,600 living-wage jobs and tens of thousands of indirect jobs in the region.

Our region is growing and we must ensure our infrastructure can safely handle the current and future capacity. Enhancing mobility on Route 17 is the responsible thing to do for our residents, visitors, environment and region.

Daniel Ortega is a founding member of 17-Forward-86, a broad-based coalition of industry, trade and civic representatives who share a common vision for expanding the capacity of Route 17 to ensure the safety and economic well-being of the Hudson Valley and Sullivan Catskills. He also serves as the Community Affairs Chief for Engineers Labor-Employer Cooperative Local 825. To learn more, visit www.17Forward86.org.