Future I-86
MAJOR JUNCTION ON THE
FUTURE INTERSTATE 86
When projects to upgrade the existing NY 17 to Interstate Highway standards are completed, I-86 will extend from I-90 near Erie to the New York State Thruway (I-87) in Woodbury. The current and future alignment of I-86 is known as the Southern Tier Expressway west of I-81 in Binghamton and the Quickway east of I-81.
Several projects to improve sub-standard sections of NY 17 are either under construction or in development as part of the conversion. The largest of these involves improvements to the interchange with I-81 in Binghamton near the stretch named Kamikaze Curve.
As part of the project, the NY 17 approach to the junction will be modified, a requirement for interstate designation, and exit 72 westbound will be moved further west. Work on the Prospect Mountain project, as it is known by NYSDOT, began in late 2011 and is projected to last until early 2018. The projected total cost of the project is $331.8 million.