A $67.9 million state Department of Transportation project is underway along State Route 17 in the town of Wallkill.

The project will upgrade Exit 122.

A critical part of new construction is the creation of 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.

This will separate through traffic on the highway from vehicles that are exiting or entering Route 17, creating a more efficient traffic flow and minimizing interactions between vehicles traveling at high speeds on the mainline and those just entering and exiting the highway.

“That'll eliminate the need for users to have to come from Crystal Run Road, the Crystal Run Crossing, and then to the ramps to be able to get out on the 17," said Engineer in Charge Daniel Edzenga. "Now, it'll be a direct access, as well as coming off of 17 directly from Crystal Run Road.”

It's part of the wider plan to upgrade the 30-mile stretch of Route 17 in Orange and Sullivan counties to interstate standards. 

Construction on Exit 122 is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.