New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the start of an $18 million project to resurface and enhance safety along State Route 17 between the hamlet of Parksville and the village of Liberty in Sullivan County.
The corridor serves as a primary gateway to the Catskills, connecting residents, students, businesses and visitors to communities, attractions, summer camps and recreational destinations. The investment will deliver a smoother ride, improve safety and extend the life of a roadway relied upon daily by thousands of motorists.
"State Route 17 is the front door to the Catskills for residents and visitors seeking the region's natural beauty and attractions," Hochul said. "This investment will strengthen a vital corridor for everyone — from businesses and SUNY Sullivan students to the many families who travel here each year for summer camp, community and time together in the Catskills. The work under way will make those trips safer, smoother and more reliable while supporting the region's economy."
The project will revitalize approximately 7.6 centerline mi. (30.4 lane mi.) of pavement. Work includes resurfacing, repairs to concrete joints, upgraded guiderails, new signs, pavement markings and the installation of audible rumble strips to help reduce roadway departures and crashes. Improvements also will be made to ramps at Exits 98, 99, 100, 100A and Short Ave. The resurfacing will help protect the roadway from future weather-related deterioration, improve traction in wet and icy conditions and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
During the summer, this section of State Route 17 carries an average of 19,400 vehicles each day, including a significant volume of commercial traffic. The corridor also provides access to children's summer camps, family programs, SUNY Sullivan, local businesses and municipal offices.
Construction will take place over two seasons and is expected to be completed by winter 2027. To minimize disruptions, one lane of traffic will remain open at all times, although motorists should expect occasional ramp closures and minor delays.
