Thruway Authority Announces Exiting Toll Plaza to Open at Interchange 17 (Newburgh) Reconstruction Project
Opening to Provide Direct Access Between I-87 and I-84

The New York State Thruway Authority today announced that the exiting toll plaza at Interchange 17 (Newburgh) will open on Wednesday, September 23, at 11 a.m., weather permitting, as Phase II of the I-84/I-87 Reconstruction Project nears completion.

“The Interchange 17 Reconstruction, connecting Interstates 87 and 84, is a good example of a project with short-term and long-term benefits,” said Governor David A. Paterson. “In addition to providing commuters and visitors to the State with seamless transportation within the Hudson Valley Region, the project has created jobs, upgraded the infrastructure and demonstrated that New York State is committed to preserving the environment by incorporating environmentally-friendly technology into the design of the buildings.”

“The continued success of the Hudson Valley Region’s economy relies upon a modern and efficient transportation network to move people and goods more efficiently,” added Governor Paterson.

The opening of the new exiting plaza will allow motorists to have direct access between the Thruway (I-87) and I-84 for the first time. Prior to this project, motorists have had to use local roads (Routes 300 and 17K) to travel between the interstates.

“The opening of the much anticipated exiting toll plaza represents a major milestone for both the traveling public and the business community in the Hudson Valley Region,” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer. “Until now, there was no direct access between the Thruway (I-87) and Interstate 84, two major highways that provide important connections between population and commercial centers in the northeastern United States.”

In recent years, traffic volumes have increased significantly, resulting in increased congestion, longer travel times and safety issues on the Thruway, I-84 and local roads.  With the completion of the exiting plaza construction, motorists are encouraged to closely follow the overhead directional signage. 

Motorists wishing to enter I-84 westbound destined for Stewart International Airport (via I-84 Exit 5A), the cities of Middletown and Port Jervis in New York, as well as the destination city of Scranton, PA, are reminded to stay to the left when approaching and  leaving the exiting toll plaza.

Motorists wishing to enter I-84 eastbound destined for the City of Newburgh, toward the destination city of Danbury, CT, or tandem trucks seeking to use the Thruway tandem parking lot are reminded to stay to the right when approaching and leaving the exiting toll plaza.

Motorists wishing to access Route 300 and Route 17K are advised that they will approach a signalized intersection where they will opt to turn right onto Route 300 south towards Route 17K and the Town of New Windsor (and another route to Stewart International Airport) or turn left onto Route 300 north, which ends in Ulster County.  Motorists wishing to access Route 300 or Route 17K are reminded to stay towards the center, when approaching and leaving the exiting toll plaza.

The new exiting plaza will include a number of features that will improve toll collection and safety, including two higher speed (20 mph) E-ZPass lanes, dedicated truck lanes and an overhead walkway that will eliminate the need for toll collectors to cross active lanes.

 “Upon final completion, the flow of traffic between the interstates will be much smoother, and the direct access between the Thruway and I-84 will help to alleviate congestion within the Route 300/Route 17K corridor,” added Fleischer.  “The movement of people and goods is critical to future economic growth within the State and Region.”

As always, motorists are encouraged to drive with caution and remain alert as they become familiar with these new traffic patterns.

Also part of Phase II, the Authority has incorporated green technology into the design of the buildings to enhance energy and environmental efficiencies. Natural lighting, water use reduction techniques, and sustainable/recycled materials were used in the new structures.  A co-generation system efficiently provides power, heating, ventilating and air conditioning to the facilities, with reduced chlorofluorocarbon usage.

“In addition, this project advances New York’s commitment to becoming a greener State, which benefits all New Yorkers,” said Fleischer.

With the completion of the exiting plaza, the Interchange 17 Reconstruction project is approximately 90 percent complete, with the final phase of the three-phase project expected to be finished in December.

That last phase will include the construction of a dedicated E-ZPass only ramp, from I-87 northbound to Route 17K, allowing E-ZPass traffic to essentially bypass the toll plaza. Also part of the final phase is the completion of a new, larger tandem lot; improvements to asphalt and striping on Route 300; completion of high mast lighting structures; minor drainage, guide rail and sign work; as well as demolition of the old toll plaza; and establishing turf and landscaping items.

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The Authority offers a free email service called TRANSalert to its customers via email or text messaging to inform them of major unscheduled incidents that may affect their travel on the Thruway. To sign up for the TRANSalert service, customers can visit the Authority's website at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/.

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