New York

[Alps]

Steve Alps made some errors in his reporting of the piers and bridge abutments.  The lone pier in the middle of Schoharie Creek was for a former roadway bridge, which tied into Railroad St in Fort Hunter.  This roadway is clearly shown on the 1944 topo map image kalvado posted.

The bridge abutment further downstream that he shows in the following photo isn't for a former rail bridge, but instead was for an abandoned section of canal.

Ya know, if you submit this error to me by my handy email posted on my website, I'd fix it (: Keep in mind Historic Aerials didn't exist for a lot of my captions years ago.

[crispy93]

On another topic, what's with the awkward interchange with US 9 and US 44/NY 55 in Poughkeepsie? Obviously it's an old interchange with the left exits/merges and short accel lanes, but why choose said design in the first place? It does no favors for US 9 -> Mid Hudson Bridge traffic (US 9 NB competes with exiting SB traffic) and if they were to redesign the interchange it could do with flyovers directly accessing 44/55 WB.

I drove through that interchange daily for about 10 years. I don't think it can be fixed because there's no space on either side. I was surprised when there wasn't someone rear-ended there. Accident rate was 10.97 per million vehicle miles when I asked for accident data

[Rothman]

On another topic, what's with the awkward interchange with US 9 and US 44/NY 55 in Poughkeepsie? Obviously it's an old interchange with the left exits/merges and short accel lanes, but why choose said design in the first place? It does no favors for US 9 -> Mid Hudson Bridge traffic (US 9 NB competes with exiting SB traffic) and if they were to redesign the interchange it could do with flyovers directly accessing 44/55 WB.

I drove through that interchange daily for about 10 years. I don't think it can be fixed because there's no space on either side. I was surprised when there wasn't someone rear-ended there. Accident rate was 10.97 per million vehicle miles when I asked for accident data

I think the bowtie design was innovative given the space constraints, but the left lane exits and merges are problematic.  I wonder if speed reducing measures on US 9 would help matters.

[cl94]

On another topic, what's with the awkward interchange with US 9 and US 44/NY 55 in Poughkeepsie? Obviously it's an old interchange with the left exits/merges and short accel lanes, but why choose said design in the first place? It does no favors for US 9 -> Mid Hudson Bridge traffic (US 9 NB competes with exiting SB traffic) and if they were to redesign the interchange it could do with flyovers directly accessing 44/55 WB.

There have been proposals to redo that interchange over the years, but money is an issue.

[STLmapboy]

I'm sorry for asking stupid questions, but what is standard NY parkway signage? A green background with large first letters (like the Taconic State Parkway as shown here)? A lighthouse in the background with a single large letter (like W in Wantagh Parkway)? A Thruway-style circular design (as shown on the Lake Ontario Pkwy)?
I'm fascinated by the NY Parkway system, with so many substandard interchanges and old bridges. I don't know much about NY roads in general, and I'd love to learn more.

[cl94]

I'm sorry for asking stupid questions, but what is standard NY parkway signage? A green background with large first letters (like the Taconic State Parkway as shown here)? A lighthouse in the background with a single large letter (like W in Wantagh Parkway)? A Thruway-style circular design (as shown on the Lake Ontario Pkwy)?
I'm fascinated by the NY Parkway system, with so many substandard interchanges and old bridges. I don't know much about NY roads in general, and I'd love to learn more.

Depends on the region. Historically, there were two main standards: the Long Island Montauk Point Lighthouse shield and the green state route shield with the parkway name. Lake Ontario and Robert Moses/Niagara Scenic always had their own shields.

In recent years, the New York City parkways have slowly been shifting to shields similar to the Long Island parkways. These shields replace the Montauk Point Lighthouse with a symbol representing each parkway. The Jackie Robinson Parkway is a picture of Jackie Robinson, the Grand Central Parkway is the Unisphere, the Henry Hudson Parkway is the Little Red Lighthouse, FDR Drive has 1 WTC and the Brooklyn Bridge. I think the Bronx River Parkway is a boat.

The current Niagara Scenic Parkway shield (and former Robert Moses State Parkway shield) were taller state route shields, but white on green (like the parkway shields).

[Alps]

On another topic, what's with the awkward interchange with US 9 and US 44/NY 55 in Poughkeepsie? Obviously it's an old interchange with the left exits/merges and short accel lanes, but why choose said design in the first place? It does no favors for US 9 -> Mid Hudson Bridge traffic (US 9 NB competes with exiting SB traffic) and if they were to redesign the interchange it could do with flyovers directly accessing 44/55 WB.

I drove through that interchange daily for about 10 years. I don't think it can be fixed because there's no space on either side. I was surprised when there wasn't someone rear-ended there. Accident rate was 10.97 per million vehicle miles when I asked for accident data

I think the bowtie design was innovative given the space constraints, but the left lane exits and merges are problematic.  I wonder if speed reducing measures on US 9 would help matters.

The cleanest way to fix it is to make it a SPUI, but I'm sure a free-flowing interchange for all directions is preferred.

[cl94]

The cleanest way to fix it is to make it a SPUI, but I'm sure a free-flowing interchange for all directions is preferred.

While I don't have an in at the bridge authority like I do at most other agencies in the state, I have a very strong feeling that they don't want anything that could have traffic stopping on the bridge, and that's the only way to do a SPUI without massive property takings to put the intersection on 9.

[SignBridge]

I'm sorry for asking stupid questions, but what is standard NY parkway signage? A green background with large first letters (like the Taconic State Parkway as shown here)? A lighthouse in the background with a single large letter (like W in Wantagh Parkway)? A Thruway-style circular design (as shown on the Lake Ontario Pkwy)?
I'm fascinated by the NY Parkway system, with so many substandard interchanges and old bridges. I don't know much about NY roads in general, and I'd love to learn more.

You're right; the NYC area state parkways are an interesting study. And believe me, here on Long Island some of those ancient sub-standard interchanges (built in the 1930's & '40's) are a real pain to drive. The only reason NYS DOT gets away with them is that there is no heavy truck traffic on these parkways. Except those using passenger car GPS's who wander onto the parkways in clear violation of posted signs. State Police escort them off the road and ticket them.

[storm2k]

I'm sorry for asking stupid questions, but what is standard NY parkway signage? A green background with large first letters (like the Taconic State Parkway as shown here)? A lighthouse in the background with a single large letter (like W in Wantagh Parkway)? A Thruway-style circular design (as shown on the Lake Ontario Pkwy)?
I'm fascinated by the NY Parkway system, with so many substandard interchanges and old bridges. I don't know much about NY roads in general, and I'd love to learn more.

Depends on the region. Historically, there were two main standards: the Long Island Montauk Point Lighthouse shield and the green state route shield with the parkway name. Lake Ontario and Robert Moses/Niagara Scenic always had their own shields.

In recent years, the New York City parkways have slowly been shifting to shields similar to the Long Island parkways. These shields replace the Montauk Point Lighthouse with a symbol representing each parkway. The Jackie Robinson Parkway is a picture of Jackie Robinson, the Grand Central Parkway is the Unisphere, the Henry Hudson Parkway is the Little Red Lighthouse, FDR Drive has 1 WTC and the Brooklyn Bridge. I think the Bronx River Parkway is a boat.

The current Niagara Scenic Parkway shield (and former Robert Moses State Parkway shield) were taller state route shields, but white on green (like the parkway shields).

Actually curious, is this an NYSDOT region thing? Region 8 does one thing, 10 something else, 11 yet another thing? 11 never really had a super formal thing, the Grand Central Pkwy had its own unique design for a long time and few of the other parkways rally used a unique shield, except for the Belt, which has a version of the LI lighthouse.

[D-Dey65]

I'm sorry for asking stupid questions, but what is standard NY parkway signage? A green background with large first letters (like the Taconic State Parkway as shown here)? A lighthouse in the background with a single large letter (like W in Wantagh Parkway)? A Thruway-style circular design (as shown on the Lake Ontario Pkwy)?
I'm fascinated by the NY Parkway system, with so many substandard interchanges and old bridges. I don't know much about NY roads in general, and I'd love to learn more.

Depends on the region. Historically, there were two main standards: the Long Island Montauk Point Lighthouse shield and the green state route shield with the parkway name. Lake Ontario and Robert Moses/Niagara Scenic always had their own shields.

In recent years, the New York City parkways have slowly been shifting to shields similar to the Long Island parkways. These shields replace the Montauk Point Lighthouse with a symbol representing each parkway. The Jackie Robinson Parkway is a picture of Jackie Robinson, the Grand Central Parkway is the Unisphere, the Henry Hudson Parkway is the Little Red Lighthouse, FDR Drive has 1 WTC and the Brooklyn Bridge. I think the Bronx River Parkway is a boat.

The current Niagara Scenic Parkway shield (and former Robert Moses State Parkway shield) were taller state route shields, but white on green (like the parkway shields).

Actually curious, is this an NYSDOT region thing? Region 8 does one thing, 10 something else, 11 yet another thing? 11 never really had a super formal thing, the Grand Central Pkwy had its own unique design for a long time and few of the other parkways rally used a unique shield, except for the Belt, which has a version of the LI lighthouse.

The green and white Region 8 and beyond parkway shield was around before the ones in Long Island and New York City. Long Island started getting theirs Montauk Point Lighthouse shields in the 1980's and the Grand Central got their own around that time as well. Eventually the "Westchester and beyond" shields started spreading into New York City, until they were replaced by what cl94 describes above.

[The Ghostbuster]

Any updates on if/when more routes may convert to mileage-based exits? The Hutchinson River Parkway was supposed to convert this year, but it looks like that is not going to happen. It looks like New York's conversion will continue at a snail's pace. 

[vdeane]

Any updates on if/when more routes may convert to mileage-based exits? The Hutchinson River Parkway was supposed to convert this year, but it looks like that is not going to happen. It looks like New York's conversion will continue at a snail's pace. 

According the the website, the project is still on: https://www.dot.ny.gov/portal/pls/portal/MEXIS_APP.DYN_PROJECT_DETAILS.show?p_arg_names=p_pin&p_arg_values=881459

[Rothman]

Any updates on if/when more routes may convert to mileage-based exits? The Hutchinson River Parkway was supposed to convert this year, but it looks like that is not going to happen. It looks like New York's conversion will continue at a snail's pace. 

According the the website, the project is still on: https://www.dot.ny.gov/portal/pls/portal/MEXIS_APP.DYN_PROJECT_DETAILS.show?p_arg_names=p_pin&p_arg_values=881459

*mutters about data system issues and WEPI under his breath...*

[D-Dey65]

Too many "Exit 1s" for the Hutchinson River Parkway.

[D-Dey65]

The bridge abutment further downstream that he shows in the following photo isn't for a former rail bridge, but instead was for an abandoned section of canal.

I thought that might've been for the Canal. Are there any sections of the canal used for shipping anymore?

[Ketchup99]

Maybe a stupid question, but why can't short parkways just stay sequential? The only time you really need mileage-based exits are on long routes when you want to be able to judge how long you have left. Can't a short parkway like the Hutch keep its numbers as is to avoid confusion?

[machias]

Maybe a stupid question, but why can't short parkways just stay sequential? The only time you really need mileage-based exits are on long routes when you want to be able to judge how long you have left. Can't a short parkway like the Hutch keep its numbers as is to avoid confusion?

I wish NYSDOT would tackle the expressways without exit numbers first and then convert the others as sign rehabs take place. For example, NY 33 in the Buffalo area is longer than I-290 and has more interchanges, but I-290 has exit numbers and NY 33 does not. Same with US 219 and NY 400, they need numbered interchanges.

[Buffaboy]

So NYSDOT has released preliminary drawings for the N.Y.-5 Skyway removal/connection, and I have to say that I wish the Skyway would stay, but I get why it's coming down. Nevertheless, it's still exciting to see new highway being constructed in Western NY for the first time since US 219 in 2009.

Naturally, I'm guessing that politicians would prefer the boulevard option, but I'm leaning towards the freeway one myself. I get that people want an all-boulevard connection to Blasdell, but why?

[fmendes]

I'm sorry for asking stupid questions, but what is standard NY parkway signage? A green background with large first letters (like the Taconic State Parkway as shown here)? A lighthouse in the background with a single large letter (like W in Wantagh Parkway)? A Thruway-style circular design (as shown on the Lake Ontario Pkwy)?
I'm fascinated by the NY Parkway system, with so many substandard interchanges and old bridges. I don't know much about NY roads in general, and I'd love to learn more.

i know the Parkway signs with the light house are long island parkways and I know the Jackie Robinson has Jackie Robinson swinging a bat

[WNYroadgeek]

So NYSDOT has released preliminary drawings for the N.Y.-5 Skyway removal/connection, and I have to say that I wish the Skyway would stay, but I get why it's coming down. Nevertheless, it's still exciting to see new highway being constructed in Western NY for the first time since US 219 in 2009.

Naturally, I'm guessing that politicians would prefer the boulevard option, but I'm leaning towards the freeway one myself. I get that people want an all-boulevard connection to Blasdell, but why?

*pics*

There doesn't seem to be any mention of it in the report, so I wonder how NY 5 would be realigned if either of the above options ends up getting chosen. Seems the easiest option to me would be to have it leave the freeway/boulevard at the lest exit before I-190, then overlap with US 62 north to UB South (at which point it would rejoin its' current routing).

[Buffaboy]

So NYSDOT has released preliminary drawings for the N.Y.-5 Skyway removal/connection, and I have to say that I wish the Skyway would stay, but I get why it's coming down. Nevertheless, it's still exciting to see new highway being constructed in Western NY for the first time since US 219 in 2009.

Naturally, I'm guessing that politicians would prefer the boulevard option, but I'm leaning towards the freeway one myself. I get that people want an all-boulevard connection to Blasdell, but why?

*pics*

There doesn't seem to be any mention of it in the report, so I wonder how NY 5 would be realigned if either of the above options ends up getting chosen. Seems the easiest option to me would be to have it leave the freeway/boulevard at the lest exit before I-190, then overlap with US 62 north to UB South (at which point it would rejoin its' current routing).

Yeah I was looking for the NY-5 alignment also. Your idea seems to be the best option.

[The Ghostbuster]

If the Buffalo Skyway is eliminated, would it be possible to put NY 5 back on its pre-Skyway alignment?

[crispy93]

It looks like New York's conversion will continue at a snail's pace. 

I-684 would be an easy conversion. NYSDOT replaced a ton of guide signs in New York City around 2014 and while I didn't expect mile conversion, it would've been nice if they eliminated suffixed exits or at least changed N-S-W-E suffixes to A-B

[crispy93]

I'm sorry for asking stupid questions, but what is standard NY parkway signage? A green background with large first letters (like the Taconic State Parkway as shown here)? A lighthouse in the background with a single large letter (like W in Wantagh Parkway)? A Thruway-style circular design (as shown on the Lake Ontario Pkwy)?
I'm fascinated by the NY Parkway system, with so many substandard interchanges and old bridges. I don't know much about NY roads in general, and I'd love to learn more.

The Palisades Parkway has its own brown leaf design with PALISADES/INTERSTATE/PARKWAY at the bottom. There's a modified version (https://goo.gl/maps/vDqJUZh59aAN237h9) with a smaller leaf and bigger Palisades/Interstate/Parkway text in mixed case. There are a small number of black-and-white Harlem River Drive/FDR Drive shields in Manhattan: https://goo.gl/maps/34jN7kfajaph8hFf7 which is unusual since entrance signs are usually small green guide signs posted by the city.

I haven't seen any new shields on the Cross Island, but then again I don't think I've ever seen reassurance signange on the CIP.