Exit numbers on interstate highways like the Northway and the Thruway in New York state are numbered sequentially, starting at exit 1 and continuing sequentially to the end of the interstate highway or until it gets to another state’s border. For example, the Northway begins in Albany at an interchange with the state Thruway (I-90), the first exit being number 1, and ending in Champlain at the Canadian border at exit 43. The exits in the Plattsburgh area are 36-40 inclusive.

However, nearly all U.S. states use a mile-based system, meaning the exit numbers are aligned with the highway’s mileage markers. New York is one of the few states that still uses a sequential numbering system. Two neighboring states — Connecticut and Massachusetts –are either in the process of switching or have already shifted to a mile-based exit numbering system. In other states, such as Pennsylvania, the mile-based approach has been in place for years.

An article by Robert Harding in the Auburn Citizen states a New York legislator, Sen. Joe Griffo, asked the state Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority to study the implementation of a mile-based exit system that would replace the existing sequential numbering scheme on nearly all state highways.

“While I recognize that motorists will have to adapt to the changes in the short term and that there will be a transition period, I believe that applying this new exit system will prove beneficial in the long term and will make New York’s major thoroughfares easier to navigate, safer and more compliant with federal standards,” Griffo said.

According to Griffo, the Thruway Authority responded to his letter and noted there would be challenges with changing to a mile-based system, namely how exits would be numbered on I-87 and I-90, both of which are part of the Thruway.

The Thruway begins with exit 1 on I-87 in New York City with sequential numbering to exit 24 in Albany, approximately 150 miles, then continues west as Interstate 90 to exit 61 in Chautauqua County. Meanwhile, Interstate 87 continues north as the Northway to the Canadian border with exits beginning again with 1 through 43 in Champlain, about 180 miles from Albany.

Griffo acknowledges there would be “challenges and technical issues that must be resolved.” There would also be costs associated with the project because highway exit signs would need to be updated. But Griffo does not see those as major obstacles. He said in a statement that the idea ‘has merit’ and wants the Thruway Authority to “consider the further implementation of a mileage-based exit system in New York.”

In one of my part-time retirement jobs I drove tour buses for Flack Tours all over the northeast U.S. as well as Quebec and Ontario. Where states numbered exits on a mileage basis, it made it much easier to drive the interstates.

Most everyone has traveled interstate highways, not only in New York state but most likely in many other states and has experienced both methods of exit numbering. I would welcome your position — do you prefer sequential numbering, like in New York, or do you prefer mile-based numbering? Please let me know your preference by email to: dwerner151@verizon.net.