Interstate 87

Interstate 87 is a major United States New York State highway that spans from The Bronx to the Canada–US border at Champlain, passing through Albany, the New York State Capitol, and Saratoga Springs, a city known for the Battle of Saratoga during the American Revolutionary War. The highway is a significant route for New York City residents traveling to Montreal, Quebec, and other destinations in Upstate New York, such as Lake George, Lake Placid, and the Adirondack Mountains. It also provides access to several major New York State universities, including the University at Albany and SUNY Plattsburgh.

● Route Description

The route of Interstate 87 spans approximately 333 miles, passing through several New York State counties, including Bronx County, Westchester County, Rockland County, Orange County, Ulster County, Greene County, Albany County, Saratoga County, Warren County, and Clinton County. The highway intersects with several major routes, including I-90, I-88, and US-9, providing connections to Boston, Buffalo, and other major cities in the Northeastern United States. The route also passes near several notable landmarks, such as the Hudson River, Bear Mountain State Park, and the Adirondack Park, which is the largest state park in the United States. Additionally, Interstate 87 provides access to several popular ski resorts, including Hunter Mountain and Whiteface Mountain, which hosted the alpine skiing events during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.

● History

The construction of Interstate 87 began in the late 1950s, as part of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, which was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The highway was designed to provide a direct route from New York City to the Canada–US border, improving transportation and trade between the United States and Canada. The route was originally designated as I-87 in 1957, and it was completed in the late 1960s, with the final segment opening in 1967. Since its completion, Interstate 87 has undergone several improvements and upgrades, including the construction of new interchanges and the widening of existing lanes to improve traffic flow and safety. The highway has also been designated as the Adirondack Northway, in recognition of its role in connecting the Adirondack Mountains to the rest of New York State.

● Major Interchanges

Interstate 87 has several major interchanges with other highways, including I-90 in Albany, I-88 in Schenectady, and US-9 in Saratoga Springs. The highway also intersects with several New York State routes, including NY-17 in Harriman, NY-28 in Warrensburg, and NY-30 in North Hudson. These interchanges provide connections to several major cities and destinations in New York State, including New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and the Finger Lakes region. Additionally, Interstate 87 has several interchanges with local roads and highways, providing access to smaller towns and communities along the route, such as Kingston, Glens Falls, and Plattsburgh.

● Traffic Volume

The traffic volume on Interstate 87 varies depending on the location and time of day, with the highest volumes typically occurring during peak travel seasons, such as summer and winter holidays. According to data from the New York State Department of Transportation, the average daily traffic volume on Interstate 87 ranges from approximately 50,000 vehicles per day in the southern sections of the highway to over 100,000 vehicles per day in the northern sections, near Albany and Saratoga Springs. The highway is also an important route for commercial traffic, with many trucking companies using Interstate 87 to transport goods between New York City and Canada. The highway's traffic volume is also influenced by several major events, including the Saratoga Racing Season and the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum.

● Exit List

The exit list for Interstate 87 includes several major interchanges and intersections with other highways and local roads. The exits are numbered from south to north, starting with exit 1 in The Bronx and ending with exit 43 in Champlain. Some of the notable exits include exit 4 in Yonkers, which provides access to Hudson River waterfront, and exit 20 in Saratoga Springs, which connects to Saratoga Performing Arts Center and the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Other notable exits include exit 24 in Albany, which provides access to the New York State Capitol and the Empire State Plaza, and exit 30 in North Hudson, which connects to Adirondack Park and the High Peaks Wilderness Area.

● Impact

The construction of Interstate 87 has had a significant impact on the economy and development of New York State, particularly in the Adirondack Mountains region. The highway has improved access to several popular tourist destinations, including Lake George, Lake Placid, and the Adirondack Park, which has boosted the local economy and created new jobs in the tourism and hospitality industries. The highway has also facilitated the growth of several major industries, including logging, mining, and manufacturing, by providing a direct route for the transportation of goods and materials. Additionally, Interstate 87 has played a critical role in the development of several major cities and towns along the route, including Albany, Saratoga Springs, and Plattsburgh, which have experienced significant economic growth and population increases since the highway's completion. The highway's impact is also evident in the growth of several major institutions, including SUNY Plattsburgh, Skidmore College, and the Albany Medical Center.