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Route 17, New York - Summer + Construction = Jams on Rte. 17 |
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Traffic backs up on Route 17 at the Route 302 overpass and beyond Sunday as visitors to Sullivan County head home. Times Herald-Record/JEFF GOULDING
It began in Circleville, then stretched west through Fair Oaks and finally, up into Sullivan County.
"It's up to the top of the Wurtsboro hill," said state police Sgt. Kevin Reyes at about 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
Welcome to the mid-Hudson's summer driving season, where the highways are flooded with the extra cars of vacationers, especially on weekends. And no more so than the just completed July Fourth weekend.
But this summer's commute is further snarled by a huge construction project: the transformation of eight miles of Route 17 into Interstate 86 at a price of $63 million.
With workers currently rebuilding the westbound portion of the highway between Interstate 84 and Route 302, the resulting lane shifts have cut eastbound Route 17 down to one lane just past the exit for Route 302. It remains one lane until you hit the exit for the Galleria at Crystal Run.
That's how it will stay for the rest of the year, according to state Department of Transportation spokeswoman Allison Ackerman, even though she says construction could shift to the eastbound side of the highway by the end of this month.
Another consequence of the Route 17 construction could be more traffic on local roads such as Route 17M and Goshen Turnpike, as desperate drivers look for a shortcut. But Town of Wallkill police Chief Robert Hertman said his department hasn't seen an uptick in activity on those roads yet.
Ackerman says the DOT has put out extra warning signs before the merge on eastbound Route 17 and added temporary pavement to try to make the ride a little smoother.
But it won't be faster. And an already crowded highway that gets cut in half is a recipe for accidents: There was a three-vehicle crash with injuries around 5 p.m. Sunday, right near the exit for Fair Oaks.
Meanwhile, Labor Day — the summer driving season's unofficial end — is still two months away.
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Read Comments (31) — Post Yours »
1
Jul 06, 2009 at 07:56 AM Anonymous Says:
thank god im not in the mountains this summer
2
Jul 06, 2009 at 07:41 AM Anonymous Says:
I'm glad not to be travelling these roads this year!
3
Jul 06, 2009 at 08:08 AM Anonymous Says:
so it took me a extra half hour to get home last night. vus tit men nisht far de country. ( that was with the 17k)
4
Jul 06, 2009 at 08:58 AM Anonymous Says:
Could you please post alternate routes, if available.... especially from about exit 109.
Also, is it better to drive at 5 am o Monday (I know it's better, but is considerable time saved?)
5
Jul 06, 2009 at 08:46 AM just asking Says:
How come they always do the work during the summer don't they know people travel then?
6
Jul 06, 2009 at 09:07 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Could you please post alternate routes, if available.... especially from about exit 109.
Also, is it better to drive at 5 am o Monday (I know it's better, but is considerable time saved?) ”
Take Route 42 until the end and then take I-84
7
Jul 06, 2009 at 09:33 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Could you please post alternate routes, if available.... especially from about exit 109.
Also, is it better to drive at 5 am o Monday (I know it's better, but is considerable time saved?) ”
You can use mapquest or kugle(I mean google)
8
Jul 06, 2009 at 09:22 AM Anonymous Says:
It's is interesting to observe all the non-country folks attempt to justify their decision to stay home.
9
Jul 06, 2009 at 09:23 AM Up here in Middletown Says:
“ How come they always do the work during the summer don't they know people travel then? ”
because its too cold during the winter!!! you cant do concrete then, AND they are doing it during the winter, but most people don't know that (or care either) because they're not up there
10
Jul 06, 2009 at 11:13 AM Anonymous Says:
Alternate routes are available here: http://www.roadinform.com/resources.asp?aid=13
11
Jul 06, 2009 at 11:28 AM Anonymous Says:
I took exit 166 to the 17k and the Goshen Turnpike to Crystal Run Road back tothe 17. But then you sit from 122 to the Thruway. You cant win - as long as you get home safe thats what matters. A safe summer to everyone.
12
Jul 06, 2009 at 11:52 AM Avrohom Abba Says:
I can see a good thing in this. I hope the young drivers will slow down, because many of the terrible accidents r"l that we unfortunately read about every summer, will not occur. Also, moving at a slow pace is actually a lesson in patience.
13
Jul 06, 2009 at 11:47 AM Anonymous Says:
It is such a waste of time an bittul torah to be schelpping the family back and forth to the bungalos every summer and then having the father and mother schlep back and forth each weekend to their jobs in the city. The time and money can be better invested in lamdus and tzadakah. The traffic is hashem's indirect way of saying reconsider your priorities.
14
Jul 06, 2009 at 12:11 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Take Route 42 until the end and then take I-84 ”
From I-84 ?
Do you go back to 17M ?
15
Jul 06, 2009 at 12:28 PM Anonymous Says:
“ It is such a waste of time an bittul torah to be schelpping the family back and forth to the bungalos every summer and then having the father and mother schlep back and forth each weekend to their jobs in the city. The time and money can be better invested in lamdus and tzadakah. The traffic is hashem's indirect way of saying reconsider your priorities. ”
In som frumme families, the mothers don't work so only the rather has to commute back and forth for shabbos. If both were working, who would care for the yinglach during the week??
16
Jul 06, 2009 at 01:33 PM ICH FARSHTEI NISHT Says:
“ I took exit 166 to the 17k and the Goshen Turnpike to Crystal Run Road back tothe 17. But then you sit from 122 to the Thruway. You cant win - as long as you get home safe thats what matters. A safe summer to everyone. ”
You took exit 166?!!
17
Jul 06, 2009 at 01:53 PM LeiderLeider... Says:
Here's two tested and proven ways. There are many other variations of those two ways. Once you take it for a while, you'll get the hang of it and you'll be able to improvise using other roads.
Either way will take you the better of almost 3 hours - without traffic. However, there is usually no traffic at all and it's a very pleasant and calm driving experience. Be careful with your speed limits! You will be passing many towns with very stringent speed limits and the roads are nice and twisty!
Use these ways only when you KNOW there’s traffic on the usual ways.
1. 42 South
2. Route 6 East through Port Jervis
3. Route 23 South
4. Turn right on Munsonhurst Road (Careful. Can easily be missed!)
5. Route 15 South
6. Route 80 East
7. Route 280 East/South
8. NJ Turnpike South
9. Goethals Bridge
10. Staten Island Expwy
11. Verrazano Bridge
---or---
1. Route 52 East
2. 84 East (over the Beacon Bridge)
3. Taconic State Pkwy South
4. Sawmill River Pkwy South
5. 87 South (Major Deegan)
6. Triboro (RFK) Bridge
7. 278 (BQE) to Queens and Brooklyn
18
Jul 06, 2009 at 02:51 PM I did it! Says:
You may want to consider taking exit 116 make a left to get the 17k it will take to the NYS Thruway it will take a little longer (because you will end up getting on to the thruway at exit 17 instead of exit 16) but it still beats the Rt 17 traffic jam.
19
Jul 06, 2009 at 03:47 PM H member Says:
“ Here's two tested and proven ways. There are many other variations of those two ways. Once you take it for a while, you'll get the hang of it and you'll be able to improvise using other roads.
Either way will take you the better of almost 3 hours - without traffic. However, there is usually no traffic at all and it's a very pleasant and calm driving experience. Be careful with your speed limits! You will be passing many towns with very stringent speed limits and the roads are nice and twisty!
Use these ways only when you KNOW there’s traffic on the usual ways.
1. 42 South
2. Route 6 East through Port Jervis
3. Route 23 South
4. Turn right on Munsonhurst Road (Careful. Can easily be missed!)
5. Route 15 South
6. Route 80 East
7. Route 280 East/South
8. NJ Turnpike South
9. Goethals Bridge
10. Staten Island Expwy
11. Verrazano Bridge
---or---
1. Route 52 East
2. 84 East (over the Beacon Bridge)
3. Taconic State Pkwy South
4. Sawmill River Pkwy South
5. 87 South (Major Deegan)
6. Triboro (RFK) Bridge
7. 278 (BQE) to Queens and Brooklyn
”
Been going the South 42 route for years. I take the 23 south to the 46 east to the 3 -if the Lincoln Tunnel is not backed up- otherwise it's the 3 to the Turnpike to the Staten Island Slow-way.
Warning: This route is not recommended at night for "Boro Park" drivers. The twists and curves and zero visibility are dangerous! Also, if you are your family are prone to motion sickness (i.e. nausea) this route is not recommended either.
20
Jul 06, 2009 at 06:08 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Here's two tested and proven ways. There are many other variations of those two ways. Once you take it for a while, you'll get the hang of it and you'll be able to improvise using other roads.
Either way will take you the better of almost 3 hours - without traffic. However, there is usually no traffic at all and it's a very pleasant and calm driving experience. Be careful with your speed limits! You will be passing many towns with very stringent speed limits and the roads are nice and twisty!
Use these ways only when you KNOW there’s traffic on the usual ways.
1. 42 South
2. Route 6 East through Port Jervis
3. Route 23 South
4. Turn right on Munsonhurst Road (Careful. Can easily be missed!)
5. Route 15 South
6. Route 80 East
7. Route 280 East/South
8. NJ Turnpike South
9. Goethals Bridge
10. Staten Island Expwy
11. Verrazano Bridge
---or---
1. Route 52 East
2. 84 East (over the Beacon Bridge)
3. Taconic State Pkwy South
4. Sawmill River Pkwy South
5. 87 South (Major Deegan)
6. Triboro (RFK) Bridge
7. 278 (BQE) to Queens and Brooklyn
”
You are right in your directions except that Route 52 - I took it yesterday from Ellenville hits the Thruway at exit 17 on the Thruway , and then south passing exit 16 traffic-less, (and you can also take 9W southbound), and I was back in BP in a little over 2.5 hours yesterday.
52 East is very scenic. Espescially for people in Ellenville, near the 52E, this is a very good way home.
21
Jul 06, 2009 at 06:07 PM Anonymous Says:
Another way of saving time is investing in Easy-Pass. The lines for Cash payers are crazy. You have to be an idiot to sit and wait 20 to 30 minutes to pay cash at each toll.
22
Jul 06, 2009 at 07:53 PM Anonymous Says:
took me yesterday 2 hours 15 minute : exit 116, 17k for 8 miles to rt 208 to I84 over the newburgh bridge (what a scenery) exit 16 ticanic , sheradin expwy to tfk bridge. didn't use my brakes
23
Jul 06, 2009 at 08:54 PM Anonymous Says:
“ took me yesterday 2 hours 15 minute : exit 116, 17k for 8 miles to rt 208 to I84 over the newburgh bridge (what a scenery) exit 16 ticanic , sheradin expwy to tfk bridge. didn't use my brakes ”
You can go south with the Taconic Parkway or with the Thruway which hits 84 also, or 9W which hits 84 also,
This route is great for people going from/to Ellenville which is on the 52E and saves the time anyways going south on 209 to the the 17 quickway.
24
Jul 06, 2009 at 08:28 PM Anonymous Says:
“ took me yesterday 2 hours 15 minute : exit 116, 17k for 8 miles to rt 208 to I84 over the newburgh bridge (what a scenery) exit 16 ticanic , sheradin expwy to tfk bridge. didn't use my brakes ”
what time was that, cause left 1030 woodborune , i took exit 116 17k to 208 to i84 to thruway. nj
17 to 80 to tpk to statn island. it took me 2 half hours.
25
Jul 06, 2009 at 09:31 PM Yenty Says:
“ so it took me a extra half hour to get home last night. vus tit men nisht far de country. ( that was with the 17k) ”
You are not doing it for yourself, I think you must of forgotten that you have a B'nei Bias with Children Kain Yirba & they do not need the country !
26
Jul 06, 2009 at 10:01 PM Anonymous Says:
“ what time was that, cause left 1030 woodborune , i took exit 116 17k to 208 to i84 to thruway. nj
17 to 80 to tpk to statn island. it took me 2 half hours. ”
I left 6pm from monticello to williamsburg. with this route you avoid the hudson river crossing mess & the FDR traffic
27
Jul 06, 2009 at 10:14 PM Allan Says:
Ok folks here is the way around the jam ups on 17. Take the Thruway to exit 17 then look for 17k west...17k west runs thru several towns but will get you back to route 17 at exit 116 which is at the base of the Wurtsboro hill...not perfect and yes it is futher but will totally bypass the jam ups on 17. Another way is rt 23 in NJ to Port Jervis NY and then take rt 209 east (right turn at Port Jervis Diner)..that will get you back to rt17 at exit 113 or continue thru Port Jervis to 97 north..that will lead you to rt 42...right turn on 42 will get you to Monticello about 20 miles more
28
Jul 06, 2009 at 10:28 PM Allan Says:
Last note...all the above can be taken in reverse on trip back from the mountains.
29
Jul 06, 2009 at 10:26 PM Allan Says:
An additional route could be to take the Thruway to exit 17 then 84 west to 208 north to Walden then take rt 52 that will take you to Ellenville. Also taking rt 84 west to 208 then left onto rt 17k will save some time and continue on 17k to route 17 as shown on above post.
30
Jul 06, 2009 at 10:46 PM Anonymous Says:
we came back sunday got off exit 116 turned left on 17k then a quick right onto goshen turnpike went through town of goshen {missing afew turns }but gps it at exit 116 press detour and it will give these directions and we got on at exit 124 it took 20 minutes from 116 to 124
31
Jul 14, 2009 at 11:56 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Ok folks here is the way around the jam ups on 17. Take the Thruway to exit 17 then look for 17k west...17k west runs thru several towns but will get you back to route 17 at exit 116 which is at the base of the Wurtsboro hill...not perfect and yes it is futher but will totally bypass the jam ups on 17. Another way is rt 23 in NJ to Port Jervis NY and then take rt 209 east (right turn at Port Jervis Diner)..that will get you back to rt17 at exit 113 or continue thru Port Jervis to 97 north..that will lead you to rt 42...right turn on 42 will get you to Monticello about 20 miles more ”
How about the people coming from the city to get to route 17. It took me 3.5 hours on Friday to get home after leaving NJ at 4!!!!! I made the big mistake of taking the Palisades....never again! I wanted to get off at exit 17 on the thruway but it too was backed up! I may try the route 23 in NJ. Where do I get it from in Jersey? I ususally use the park 'n ride in jersey and take 17 north to 17west, but friday's in the summer are terrible! I'll try the 23 to port jervis and get 84 east to my exit. That sounds like an excellent plan! Everyone had some excellent recommendations!