Redesignate the Utica-Rome Expressway as
Interstate 790.
The original proposal to NYSDOT.
The Utica-Rome Expressway is a vital arterial between Utica and Rome. It serves motorists well. However, potential businesses looking for locations to expand may not realize the ideal location of the Griffiss Business and Technology Park along this major thoroughfare because of it's number designation as N Y 49.
N Y 17 in the Southern Tier and the Catskills is in the process of becoming Interstate 86 in an effort to bring "brand recognition" of excellent accessibility for industry to that area. I believe that this area could benefit the same way by renumbering the Utica-Rome Expressway.
It should be renumbered Interstate 790.
I-790 currently runs from the Thruway interchange in Utica to the nearby interchange of Routes 5A, 5S, 5, 8 and 12. It is one of the shortest interstates in the country, clocking in at under 3 miles long. It is never an "independent" route, as it follows Routes 5-8-12 along it's entire length. It's barely signed as an interstate.
Wouldn't it be more beneficial for I-790 to follow the Utica Rome Expressway from the Thruway interchange in Utica to the Griffiss Park interchange on current Route 49? The new designation would completely fit the "rules" of interstate designation in that an odd first number indicates an interstate spur, in this case I-90 to Griffiss Park. In addition, I can't imagine a lot would have to be done to the expressway to bring it up to interstate standards; it already qualifies for and is signed with the 65 MPH speed limit.
Legislation needs to be introduced redesignating the Utica-Rome Expressway as Interstate 790. It would certainly help in the drive to give this area an economic boost. Even if it takes a five or ten years to get the designation in place, we should at least look forward to the future as soon as possible with these signs:
