Patience will be a virtue as Exit 131 construction advances

| 10 May 2018 | 08:01

— Warmer weather is here and so will driver frustration as work further advances on the Exit 131 construction project:
Today, May 11, lanes will be re-striped along the Route 32 corridor, which is intended to increase viability for drivers traveling on Route 32, according to the State Department of Transportation.
Work is also continuing in front of Central Valley Elementary School. Drivers will also notice some utility work taking place outside of protected areas.
On Monday, May 14, the park-and-ride lot on Route 32 will be moved to its new location further down Locey Lane. Signs will be posted to guide drivers to the new parking area.
Effective that same day, the existing park-and-ride will no longer be available for use.
Along Route 17, the median will be paved and striped in preparation of a temporary traffic shift, intended to create a safe and unobstructed work zone.
Drivers will also be seeing increased construction activities near the new Route 17 bridge.
Ramp construction will also be starting in the next few weeks, according to the DOT.
Drivers should use extra caution, allow for additional travel time and have an alternative route backup plan ready as the number of lanes may be reduced or temporarily closed.
Located in the town and village of Woodbury, the Town of Monroe and the Village of Harriman, the Route 17 at Route 32 Exit 131 reconstruction project will feature a diverging diamond interchange. This design is intended to offer improved access to the surrounding schools, retail establishments, highways and local roads and improved travel time and safety.
The project is currently expected to be completed by October 2019.
To stay abreast of work, visit: https://www.exit131ny.com/
- Nancy Kriz