Route 17 closure in Tuxedo causes major detours after trees bring down wires, utility pole
Fallen trees brought down wires and a utility pole overnight, forcing the closure of Route 17 in Tuxedo. Crews are now working to make repairs.
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Route 17 in Tuxedo was closed Wednesday after fallen trees brought down wires and a utility pole overnight, creating significant detours for drivers in Orange County.
Police shared a photo of the damage stretched across the roadway, forcing officials to shut down the route while utility crews worked to repair the affected infrastructure.
Among those drivers impacted was David Rosenfeld, of New Jersey-based Let It Grow Inc. He was heading to a nursery when he encountered the road closure.
"It looks like we're not getting there," Rosenfeld said.
The closure forced Rosenfeld and many other drivers to take alternate routes.
Northbound drivers were told to take Sterling Mine Road while southbound drivers were directed to take 17A.
The Thruway was another option.
"This is going to be about another 20 miles for me to go all the way back to Sloatsburg and then back up the Thruway to get up there. It's going to be tough," Rosenfeld said.
As repairs continued, Town of Tuxedo police escorted News 12 to view utility crews working at the scene near Stevens Lane.
Officials said multiple utility companies would be involved in the response.
Police said they would continue providing updates to the public as work progresses and the road remains closed.
"We put out the notification to social media. We have digital signage out. We have State DOT here on scene. They've notified 5-1-1 New York to put out any kind of notification to your GPS unit that should be rerouting you. We are trying our very best to get the road reopened as soon as reasonably possible," said Town of Tuxedo Police Chief Rick Marsh.
Officials said they will continue to update the public when Route 17 reopens.
