Driver alert: New ramp to enter westbound Route 17 from Route 32 opens
CENTRAL VALLEY — A new ramp opened this week for traffic accessing westbound Route 17 from Route 32, requiring motorists to be even further attentive and patient as they drive through this area.
The new ramp is located south of the park and ride entrance on Route 32. Drivers will enter onto westbound Route 6 just blocks before it merges with westbound Route 17.
Additional signs will direct travelers though the new traffic pattern.
The Department of Transportation stressed that the existing ramp near Nininger Road will no longer be in use.
Additionally, eastbound traffic on Route 17 will remain shifted onto the paved median to maintain a safe and unobstructed work zone.
The left lane of eastbound Route 17 is a dedicated through-lane from Exit 130 eastbound to the New York State Thruway toll booths.
The DOT has again said local traffic should use the right lane only because exits are not permitted from the left lane.
The barrier will be in place until this winter, according to the DOT.
As work continues, drivers continue to experience delays due as motorists slow down to enter the through or local lanes in addition to the increased construction activities near the new Route 32 bridge being built.
Morning eastbound Route 17 delays sometimes extend as far back as Exit 129/Museum Village Road and, on occasions, even further.
The DOT again reminds motorists to give themselves extra time and have alternate routes in mind if they are driving eastbound to areas near or beyond the Harriman Toll Plaza area.
Located in the town and village of Woodbury, the Town of Monroe and the Village of Harriman, the Route 17 at Route 32 Exit 131 construction project will feature a diverging diamond interchange.
This design is intended to offer improved access to schools, retail establishments, highways and local roads in addition to improved travel time and safety.
The project is currently expected to be completed by October 2019.
To stay abreast of work, visit: https://www.exit131ny.com/
- Nancy Kriz