TOWN OF WALLKILL – The
long awaited opening of the tunnel under Route 17 that connects the Galleria
at Crystal Run with the Orange Plaza has opened.
It is expected to alleviate much of the traffic on Route 211 in the shopping
center corridor, especially during the holiday shopping season.
The entire cost of the Town of Wallkill project was borne by the state.
On the Galleria side, traffic lights direct motorists. On the Orange Plaza
side, stop signs and an island direct traffic. Coming from alongside Wal-mat,
motorists are not supposed to turn left under the tunnel to the Galleria
as the concrete island is shaped away from it. But, Friday morning, a
few drivers were observed stopping, and making the round-about left turn
to the tunnel.
Galleria side, regulated by traffic lights
Orange Plaza side – vehicle swerves around island meant to prevent
left turns
