What's happening
This bill requires New York to convert interstate highway exit numbers to a mileage-based system by January 1, 2024.
Why it matters
Improves navigation and safety. Changing to a mileage-based exit numbering system helps drivers more easily estimate travel distances, plan trips, and identify their location in emergencies, which can be especially helpful for out-of-state travelers or emergency responders.
Aligns with federal standards. By mirroring the federal highway administration’s system, the bill brings New York in line with national practices, potentially making the state eligible for certain federal transportation funds and simplifying navigation for drivers accustomed to mileage-based exits elsewhere.
Minimizes disruption and costs. The legislation requires that, for two years after the change, old exit numbers remain posted alongside the new ones to help drivers adjust. It also directs agencies to reuse current signage where possible, reducing the expense and waste typically associated with such transitions.
Requires coordinated implementation. The law mandates cooperation between the Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority to set uniform standards and signage, ensuring consistency across all interstate highways in New York.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Switch to Mile-Based Exits
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
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History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
6908
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
March 25, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. ORTIZ -- read once and referred to the Committee on Transportation
AN ACT to amend the highway law and the public authorities law, in relation to establishing a mileage-based numbering system for exits along interstate highways within the state
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The highway law is amended by adding a new section 332 to read as follows:
§ 332. Mileage-based exit numbers; interstate highways. 1. The commissioner is hereby authorized and directed, subject to appropriations made therefor, to develop and implement a plan to convert exit numbers along interstate highways located within this state to a mileage-based exit numbering system. Such system shall:
(a) follow, as closely as is practicable, the federal highway administration interchange exit numbering system of mileage-based reference post numbering;
(b) follow the convention that such mileage-based exit numbering shall begin at the southernmost or westernmost terminus of such interstate highway; and
(c) minimize cost by using existing roadside and overhead signs and add-on plates to display new exit numbers whenever possible.
2. For a period of two years following the completion of the conversion to the mileage-based exit numbering system made pursuant to this section, the exit number of each exit prior to such conversion shall continue to be displayed at each such exit.
3. The mileage-based exit numbering system set forth in this section shall be completed on or before January first, two thousand twenty-four.
§ 2. The public authorities law is amended by adding a new section 389 to read as follows:
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD10924-01-9
A. 6908 2
§ 389. Mileage-based exit numbers; interstate highways. 1. The authority, in consultation with the department of transportation, is hereby authorized and directed, subject to appropriations made therefor, to develop and implement a plan to convert exit numbers along interstate highways located within this state to a mileage-based exit numbering system. Such system shall:
(a) follow, as closely as is practicable, the federal highway administration interchange exit numbering system of mileage-based reference post numbering;
(b) follow the convention that such mileage-based exit numbering shall begin at the southernmost or westernmost terminus of such interstate highway; and
(c) minimize cost by using existing roadside and overhead signs and add-on plates to display new exit numbers whenever possible.
2. For a period of two years following the completion of the conversion to the mileage-based exit numbering system made pursuant to this section, the exit number of each exit prior to such conversion shall continue to be displayed at each such exit.
3. The mileage-based exit numbering system set forth in this section shall be completed on or before January first, two thousand twenty-four.
§ 3. The commissioner of transportation and the chairman of the New York state thruway authority shall work in cooperation and jointly establish uniform standards and signage for the mileage-based exit number required by the provisions of this act.
§ 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.