UTICA, N.Y. (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) – New York State Senator, Joseph Griffo, is urging the New York State Thruway Authority and the State Department of Transportation to consider implementing a mileage-based exit numbering system on the New York State Thruway and other major state roads. 

The senator is proposing that exits will be labeled by their milepost marker instead of sequentially.

“So, for instance,” he explained, “In Utica’s case – exit 31 would become exit 232 because that’s mile 232 on the interstate. So, it’s that simple.”

He continued, “Obviously you have to work through some navigation issues, things of that nature. I know there are a lot of intangibles here, like in any case, when you see change, there’s going to be some resistance to it.”

“But I think again, it’s a concept that’s being employed in other areas – 40 states – Massachusetts, Connecticut; So, it’s something that we have to at least look at and consider.”

He adds that while he understands that New York is facing much more pressing issues right now, the government is also capable of tackling several issues at the same time.