The debate surrounding roadway expansion and transportation policy is heating up in New York, highlighted by the state’s draft Transportation Master Plan, which aims to set statewide priorities until 2050.
At the heart of this discussion are transit and environmental advocates who are pushing for a reduction in car dependency and an increased focus on public transit options.
Danny Pearlstein, representing the Riders Alliance transit group, criticized the draft plan for including excessive highway expansions, labeling it an ‘everything-bagel’ approach that wastes billions and negatively impacts communities.
Pearlstein contended that the plan should prohibit highway construction and focus on decreasing the number of vehicle miles traveled, stressing the need for safe and affordable transit alternatives.
Conversely, contractor representatives argue that maintaining and repairing existing infrastructure should take precedence.
Mike Elmendorf, president of the Associated General Contractors of New York State, voiced the opinion that the Department of Transportation must prioritize road and bridge maintenance, a core aspect of its responsibilities.
Elmendorf pointed to statistics within the draft plan: less than 5% of commuters in regions north of the mid-Hudson Valley rely on public transit, while over 70% drive alone.
In contrast, he noted that 46% of New Yorkers in the city use public transit for their work commute, emphasizing the variable reliance on such services across the state.
The draft highlights that less than half of the pavement on New York’s interstate highways is in good condition, with a projected increase in the percentage of poor pavement from its 2021 baseline.
Nelson, director of the transportation department’s Office of Policy, Planning and Performance, defended the draft’s broad focus on different transportation modes, explaining that the goal is to improve access and mobility for New Yorkers.
The draft includes six overarching goals, one of which emphasizes accessible and affordable transportation choices to boost public transit usage statewide and to enhance the number of residents living near transit services.
As part of this ongoing dialogue, Pearlstein called for a specific rejection of the proposed expansion of Route 17 between Orange and Sullivan counties, which is currently under environmental review.
This $1.3 billion expansion aims to alleviate traffic accidents and save drivers time; however, critics like Pearlstein argue it will ultimately lead to increased maintenance costs and only marginal time savings for commuters.
He pointed out that the projected time savings of six minutes hardly justifies the funding and resources allocated to the project, advocating instead for a distribution of resources across a wider range of transportation options in various communities throughout New York.
In defending the Route 17 expansion, Elmendorf suggested that the project reflects economic development opportunities in the region, such as the Legoland theme park, which is primarily accessible by car.
He argued that dismissing car travel ignores the reality of many New Yorkers’ lives and the economic implications tied to transportation infrastructure.
Both sides of this debate underscore the complexities of transportation planning in New York State as it grapples with pressing challenges like climate change, economic development, and the need for modern infrastructure.
The draft Transportation Master Plan is essential in shaping the future of transit and roadways in New York as stakeholders continue to voice their perspectives on the most effective and equitable paths forward.
image source from：wshu
