THOMPSON — Major construction work is under way on one of the  busiest thoroughfares in Sullivan County. Spearheaded by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), the project is reconstructing the Route 17 interchange at Exit 105 as well as sections of Route 42 in the Town of Thompson.

“Everybody is curious about the Exit 105 project,” said Town of Thompson Supervisor Bill Rieber Jr. “Basically, it will create two double lane traffic circles designed to handle truck traffic. It will enable traffic to enter or exit Route 17 without having to stop at a traffic light.”

The NYSDOT says the project will bring the Route 17, Exit 105 interchange up to current standards and improve safety related deficiencies. The project also improves a section of Route 42 by correcting sidewalk deficiencies, providing more pedestrian access and making pedestrian facilities compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act regulations. Route 42 improvements will also provide more appropriate facilities for bicyclists. 

The project has a construction contract cost of $30.8 million and construction is expected to last at least until the fall of next year. According to the NYSDOT’s project summary, construction could stretch into late 2024. 

According to NYSDOT records, the project has received over $27 million in funding from state and federal programs, including the Highway Safety Improvement Program and the National Highway Freight Program.

The Town of Thompson and NYSDOT held a public information meeting back in October, 2021 to discuss the details of the project and its impacts to the area. 

“The Town of Thompson has made tremendous strides in attracting new national businesses to the district and has worked closely with existing businesses to update and improve their properties,” Rieber told the Democrat this week. 

Rieber added that the roadway improvement will greatly enhance the business district both in terms of aesthetics and traffic flow and will greatly improve pedestrian access into the corridor.  

“Working with the State, we have an agreement for them to provide new lighting with provisions for seasonal decorations and the Town will be able to landscape the traffic circles to make the area very attractive and inviting,” Rieber continued. “Taken together, the result will be an increased tax base, more sales tax and better shopping opportunities for our residents and visitors alike.”