$67.8M Wallkill Highway Revamp Begins: DOT

WALLKILL, NY — Work is getting started on a $67.8 million project that will upgrade the interchange at Route 17 and Exit 122, the state Department of Transportation announced Monday.

The changes are designed to improve traffic flow and safety and reduce congestion, according to DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez.

“We are enhancing safety along one of the state’s most important highways and easing travel to the many popular shopping, tourist and medical destinations that this fast-growing region has to offer,” Dominguez said.

Exit 122 links Route 17 with I-84, and it provides access to area retail centers, lodging and medical facilities.

The state previously reconstructed the western portion of the interchange. The new project involves reconfiguring the eastern portion.

State Sen. James Skoufis said he is gratified to see the work starting.

“Local residents and visitors deserve a safe and swift drive as they commute to work, school, or to visit the many amenities this area has to offer,” Skoufis said. “As this region's population - and tourism - continue to grow, completing this project is a priority.”

Workers will create a new service road adjacent to Route 17 that will connect the highway with entrance and exit ramps at East Main Street and Crystal Run Road, officials said.

This new road will separate highway through-traffic from vehicles that are exiting or entering Route 17. The goal is to improve traffic flow and reduce interaction between vehicles traveling at high speeds and those entering and exiting the highway, according to the DOT.

A bridge carrying Route 17 over the Wallkill River at Exit 122 will be reconstructed.

Seven lane miles of roadway, including all exit and entrance ramps, will be resurfaced with fiber-reinforced, warm-mix asphalt. According to the DOT, it is more durable than regular asphalt. The DOT also plans to have new high-visibility pavement markings and reflectors installed to improve safety.

A 10-foot-wide shared-use path will be built along East Main Street and Crystal Run Road to provide pedestrians and cyclists with connections to local hotels, restaurants and medical facilities, including Garnet Health Medical Center.

Workers will install new curb ramps, pedestrian signals and crosswalks at Crystal Run Crossing, at the new westbound off ramp from Route 17, the existing eastbound exit ramp and at the medical center’s driveway.

Motorists can expect some lane shifts and lane closures during construction. The project is scheduled to be finished by late 2026. It is part of an ongoing effort to upgrade a 30-mile stretch of highway in Orange and Sullivan counties, DOT officials said.

Anyone interested in learning more about the latest project may attend an open house on Wednesday, April 9, at the Town of Wallkill Community Center at 7-9 Wes Warren Drive, Scotchtown, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.