State Department of Transportation Continues Conversion to Mileage-Based Exit Numbering Along Interstate I-81

State Department of Transportation Continues Conversion to Mileage-Based Exit Numbering Along Interstate I-81

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced that work will begin on April 3 in Jefferson County on a project to implement a mileage-based numbering system for exits along Interstate 81. The project will update the existing, sequentially numbered exit signs with new panels that delineate the exit by its mileage location along the highway, enhancing safety by giving motorists a better indication of how many miles they need to travel to reach their destinations. The new, mileage-based exit signs will also facilitate improved traffic management and emergency response. Upon completion of this project and the I-81 Viaduct Project, all exit signs along Interstate 81 from the border with Pennsylvania to the border with Canada will be updated to a mileage-based system.

"The safety of the traveling public is always the top priority of the New York State Department of Transportation and now drivers will be able to make better-informed travel decisions thanks to these new mileage-based exit signs along I-81, one of the North Country's busiest highways," Commissioner Dominguez said. "With mileage-based exit signs, drivers will easily be able to determine where they are along I-81 and how much further they need to go to reach their destinations, enabling more efficient travel planning and enhanced safety for all who use our highways."

While not practicable for all highways, mileage-based systems are used in nearly every U.S. state and widely viewed as more efficient than sequential numbering schemes. Aside from assisting motorists in determining their location and distance to their preferred exit, mileage-based systems also aid emergency responders in reaching drivers in distress. The new system will ensure the New York I-81 corridor conforms to current national guidelines.

The new exit numbers along I-81 are based on the distance in miles moving from south to north from the Pennsylvania border to the Canadian border.

Implementing a mileage-based system allows for more efficient and safe travel. Converting to the new mileage-based system will enable thousands of commuters, commercial vehicles, and residents to make safer choices when traveling along the highway.

Work on the exit sign conversion in Jefferson County is anticipated to be finished by the end of 2026.

Motorists can expect to see changes to exit signs along I-81 in Jefferson County starting with existing Exit 38 (Route 11) and continuing north to existing Exit 52 (Wellsley Island).

The new mileage-based exit numbers will be added to the upper panel on the existing signs. To reduce driver confusion, panel signs with the old sequential exit number (OLD EXIT XX) will be added to the bottom of the first advance exit sign. For example, the existing Exit 45 (Arsenal Street) along I-81 northbound and southbound will be re-designated Exit 156, as it is approximately 156 miles north of the Pennsylvania state line.

Example of mileage-based sign:

Changing exit numbers for Interstate 81 Northbound/Southbound:

Exit 38 - Exit 134

Exit 39 - Exit 136

Exit 40 - Exit 138

Exit 41 - Exit 143

Exit 42 - Exit 147

Exit 43 - Exit 149

Exit 44 - Exit 151

Exit 45 - Exit 156

Exit 46 - Exit 157

Exit 47 - Exit 158

Exit 48 - Exit 161

Exit 48A - Exit 162

Exit 49 - Exit 172

Exit 50N - Exit 181 A

Exit 50S - Exit 181 B

Exit 51 - Exit 182

Exit 52 - Exit 186

Assemblyman Scott Gray said, "The safety and efficiency of our North Country corridors are vital to both our local economy and the daily lives of our residents. The transition to mileage-based exit numbering on Interstate 81 is a common-sense update that brings Jefferson County in line with national standards, providing motorists with a much clearer sense of distance and location. Beyond making navigation more intuitive for commuters and tourists alike, this system serves a critical safety function by allowing emergency responders to locate and reach drivers in distress more precisely. While change on the highway can be an adjustment, the inclusion of 'Old Exit' panels during this transition will help minimize confusion as we move toward a more modern, reliable transit experience. I look forward to the completion of this project by the end of the year and the benefits it will bring to all who travel through our region."

Multiple short-term lane closures will be needed to complete the sign work. Motorists should anticipate travel delays and build extra travel time into their schedules.

Construction activities are weather-dependent and subject to change based on conditions.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual's driver license.

About the Department of Transportation

It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York State.

Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers!

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