Design

Category 1 - Urban Highways: Freeway or Expressways

Award of Excellence

State Route 17
Village of Horseheads, New York

Route 17 previously had five atgrade intersections carrying nearly 30,000 vehicles per day with speeds approaching 65 miles per hour, which led to the transformation of a four-lane arterial into an Interstate expressway. The concept of an elevated expressway on existing alignment instead of a bypass resulted in less environmental impacts, and was more cost effective. Included in this carefully staged construction plan are mechanically stabilized earth walls, noise walls, gateway signage, and a linear park, which acts as a buffer for residents. An innovative under-drain system was designed to keep the embankment dry until the permanent closed drainage system was installed and the fill was capped by the concrete roadway. The design reflects local architecture and blends the highway with its surroundings. The alignment was shifted, avoiding all commercial establishments, but remained viable to the business district. The project features include permanent count stations and a remote weather information system as well as an automatic anti-icing system on a ramp.

Designer: Bergmann Associates, Rochester, NY
Contractor: The Lane Construction Corporation, Cheshire, CT
Owner: New York State Department of Transportation, Region 6, Hornell, NY