The I-87/Autoroute 15 corridor provides a direct international connection between the largest metropolitan area in the United States (New York City) and the second largest metropolitan area in Canada (Montreal) through the Lacolle/Champlain border crossing. The corridor, through its connections to crossing highways and to other modes, serves a broad area that includes the Mid-Atlantic states, New England and Eastern Canada representing a total population of approximately 80 million people.
Growth in trade and tourism has placed increased demands on this vital corridor. Between 1996 and 1999, truck traffic at the US-Canada border crossing increased 40%. In 1999, the Lacolle/Champlain border crossing handled over 800,000 trucks carrying $14 billion worth of goods, making it the fifth busiest US-Canada border crossing. In addition, nearby rail border crossings carried nearly $2 billion value of freight in 2000. The growth in traffic during this period and new security concerns have led to slower processing of vehicles at the border, resulting in extended delays which have presented problems for continued economic growth and security.
STUDY PURPOSE
The I-87 Multimodal Corridor Study was undertaken as a proactive response by New York State to address the growth in trade and tourism that has placed increased demands on the corridor. The goal of the study was to identify and assess initiatives and opportunities to improve transportation services for all users of the corridor, thereby providing an opportunity for the corridor and surrounding regions to realize the economic potential resulting from changing global and national economic forces and trends. The Study will result in a strategic plan laying how NYSDOT and its transportation partners, with support from the private sector, can effectively and efficiently meet the long-term needs of the corridor and its major travel markets.
STUDY AREA
The I-87 Multimodal Corridor Study area extends along I-87 from the Tappan Zee Bridge to Montreal, a distance of over 300 miles. It includes important east-west connectors and other modal corridors (e.g., passenger rail, rail freight, marine, and air). Primary and secondary study areas have been established for this vast corridor. The primary study area extends from the vicinity of Thruway Exit 21A to the Lacolle/Champlain border crossing, and includes highways ( I-87, US Route 9 and NY Route 22 and east-west connectors) and non-highway modes (rail lines, airports and marine ports) ranging between those points. The secondary study area focuses on I-87 from Exit 9 to 21A, and Autoroute 15 to Montreal.
Study Area - Other Modes:
MARINE
Hudson River (from just north of the City of Albany to the City of Hudson).
RAIL
Primary: Albany to the United States-Canada border at Rouses Point.
Secondary: New York City to Albany and Rouses Point to Montreal.
AIRPORTS
Commercial: Albany International, Plattsburgh International, Stewart International.
General Aviation: Adirondack Regional, Lake Placid, Round Lake, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schroon Lake, South Albany, Ticonderoga, Warren (Floyd Bennett Memorial), Westport.
STUDY GOALS
Enhance person and goods movement and intermodal operations.
Support sustainable growth and economic development.
Promote safety and security.
Protect and enhance the environment and quality of life.
