Cashless Thruway toll system goes live at Harriman toll barrier

By Nancy Kriz
HARRIMAN — After months of construction and traffic slow downs, cashless tolls went live on the New York State Thruway at the Exit 16 Harriman toll barrier today, Sept. 28.
Now, drivers will be billed by mail for toll fees if they don’t have an E-Z Pass account.
However, southbound traffic on the Thruway's ticketed portion of the system will continue to access a modified two-lane toll plaza until the entire Thruway system is converted to cashless tolling by the end of 2020.
The existing Harriman toll barrier will be removed in several phases once the new tolling system is fully operational, which will result in altered traffic patterns.
For a short period of time, drivers will continue to travel through existing toll lanes at reduced speeds without stopping until the booths are removed and the road reconfiguration is completed.
21.7 million motorists per yearOfficials said approximately 21.7 million motorists travel through the Harriman interchange each year, accounting for more than 8 percent of the Thruway's overall traffic volume.
“We’re making historic investments to bolster our infrastructure and modernize our transportation network to stay ahead of the curve, and cashless tolling is a key part of that effort," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.
Also in a statement, County Executive Stephen Neuhaus added: “Traffic congestion has long been a problem and the automation of tolls will help congestion in that vicinity. This important project allows us to continue to market this economically vital corridor for growth and sustainable development."
The $13.9 million project in Harriman is now the Thruway's fourth cashless tolling location, in addition to the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo and Grand Island bridges.
The remaining fixed toll barriers in Spring Valley, Yonkers and New Rochelle will be converted to cashless tolling by the end of this year, according to officials.
Motorists should continue to use caution around the toll plaza because it continues to be an active construction zone. The posted speed limit there is 20 mph.
Complementary workThe transition to cashless tolling at Harriman complements the $150 million Woodbury Transit and Economic Development Hub at Exit 131 on Route 17, officials said.
Already, work has been already completed work to reconstruct parking lots at Central Valley Elementary School, which now offers 110 vehicle parking spaces and 15 school bus parking spaces.
Additionally, 131 vehicle parking spaces will be available after a new traffic signal on Route 32 is made operational in November.
Structural steel is in place on the Route 32 bridge over Route 17 and steel work is just finishing up on the Route 32 bridge over Nininger Road. Forms are being placed to prepare for rebar installation and concrete work to build the bridge decks.
Reconstruction and drainage installation is underway on eastbound Route 17 and southbound Route 32. A retaining wall is currently being built along eastbound Route 17.
This project is scheduled for completion in October 2019.