WALLKILL, N.Y. — Construction has begun on a $67.8 million overhaul of the Exit 122 interchange on State Route 17 in Orange County. The project, announced by Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), aims to boost safety and ease congestion in one of the state’s fastest-growing regions.
This marks the final phase of the interchange upgrade, bringing it up to full federal interstate standards. The Exit 122 junction connects State Route 17 to Interstate 84, providing access to major commercial, medical, and lodging hubs in the Town of Wallkill.
“This is about building the infrastructure Orange County needs right now,” Dominguez said. “It’s safety, efficiency, and progress rolled into one.”
At the center of the project is a new collector-distributor (C-D) road that will separate high-speed through traffic from local ramp traffic. This layout will reduce crash risk and streamline vehicle movement.
Key components of the upgrade include:
- Reconstruction of the Route 17 bridge over the Wallkill River
- Seven lane miles of resurfaced roadway with durable warm-mix asphalt
- High-visibility pavement markings and new reflectors
- A 10-foot-wide shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists connecting to Garnet Health Medical Center, hotels, and shops
- New curb ramps, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals
Construction is expected to wrap by late 2026. During the work, drivers should anticipate lane shifts and periodic closures.
Exit 122 is part of a larger NYSDOT initiative to modernize a 30-mile stretch of Route 17 through Orange and Sullivan counties. A scoping report outlining the broader effort was released in September 2024.
Local leaders and stakeholders are backing the investment.
“This upgrade is essential for public safety and economic growth,” said Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus. “Our roads must reflect the demands of our expanding population and booming tourism sector.”
Sen. James Skoufis and Assemblymember Paula Elaine Kay echoed support, emphasizing the region’s need for efficient, safe travel infrastructure.
The project also garners labor and business support. IUOE Local 825 and the Orange County Partnership praised the job creation and long-term economic potential.
An open house is scheduled for April 9 at the Town of Wallkill Community Center for residents to ask questions and review project details.
The NYSDOT urges motorists to drive cautiously in work zones. “Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers,” the department said.
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Mathew Alvarez joined Rockland Daily News as a reporter in March 2020, but he’s no stranger to Rockland County. He grew up in New City and graduated from Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media.
