Massena, NY, Aug 24, 2009 — Like the fabled Lake Champlain monster, every few years an old debate rises to the surface of the North Country's political scene. The idea of a four-lane highway across the top of New York State, from Watertown to Plattsburgh, has near-mythical status today. It would take anywhere from $2 to 4 billion dollars and decades to build. It would almost certainly spark strong opposition. Still, the rooftop highway is taking some baby steps forward. It may get new federal money. It has a new name. And it has a new, energetic figurehead. David Sommerstein has this profile.  Go to full article

Dec 03, 2008 — The "rooftop highway" is almost mythical in northern New York. The idea of an Interstate linking Watertown and Plattsburgh, through Gouverneur, Canton, Potsdam, and Malone, has been bouncing around since the 1950s. It's seen as a key to economic development in the North Country. New York's department of transportation estimates the whole project would cost $2 billion and take decades to build. So the DOT is taking public comment on a new plan to take the smallest of steps forward--a passing lane here, decongesting intersections there, maybe even a bypass. 75 people came to last night's meeting in Canton. Few were pleased with what they heard. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Oct 03, 2007 — A group of residents are taking on the state department of transportation over a proposed middle turning lane on Route 11 in the village of Canton. The stretch in question is a tree-lined residential neighborhood of historic homes. Residents are trying to get Governor Spitzer's attention when he visits Potsdam next week. As David Sommerstein reports, word is they've already succeeded.  Go to full article

Feb 02, 2007 — In the decades-old quest for a so-called "rooftop highway" between Watertown and Plattsburgh, the villages along Route 11 are considered the bottlenecks. Take Canton. Many afternoons last summer, bumper-to-bumper traffic stretched more than a mile from the main intersection. Despite the gridlock, village residents have joined forces against a plan to widen a residential stretch of the road. And they've embraced an idea many of them fought a couple decades ago. But as David Sommerstein reports, traffic is not always what it appears to be.  Go to full article

Jan 04, 2007 — There were some direct North Country references in Governor Spitzer's State of the State speech. Martha Foley has a summary, including reactions from regional lawmakers.  Go to full article

Nov 14, 2006 — State officials hope to accelerate a plan for a rooftop highway with a series of public meetings across the North Country this week. The idea of a highway between Watertown and Plattsbrugh is more than 30 years old. Martha Foley has more.

Schedule of meetings:

11/14, 7 pm: Best Western University Inn, Canton
11/15, 7 pm: Franklin Co. Courthouse, Malone
11/16, 7 pm: Old County Courthouse, Plattsburgh  Go to full article

Nov 13, 2006 — State officials hope to move along a plan for a rooftop highway across the North Country this week with a series of public meetings. David Sommerstein reports.

Schedule of meetings:

11/13, 3 pm: Lowville town hall
11/13, 7 pm: Dulles Office Building, Watertown
11/14, 7 pm: Best Western University Inn, Canton
11/15, 7 pm: Franklin Co. Courthouse, Malone
11/16, 7 pm: Old County Courthouse, Plattsburgh  Go to full article

Dec 17, 2004 — The idea of a "rooftop highway," a four-lane divided road to connect Watertown and Plattsburgh, has become almost mythical in North Country lore. The concept has floated around policy circles since the 1960s as a means of regional economic development. In the last few years, the rooftop highway movement has gathered steam. Governor Pataki even gave it a new name--the Northern Tier Expressway--at a 2003 appearance at Clarkson University. Plans are slowly moving forward, despite some setbacks. David Sommerstein has this update.  Go to full article

Jul 01, 2004 — At a public hearing in Watertown yesterday, state and local officials submitted their wishes for New York's 20-year master plan for transportation. The Rooftop Highway to link Watertown and Plattsburgh topped the list. But as David Sommerstein reports, a new vision for the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Port of Ogdensburg wasn't far behind.  Go to full article

Jan 26, 2004 — The creation of a "Rooftop Highway" that would connect travelers from Watertown to Plattsburgh has gotten some additional financial help from two New York Senators. Jody Tosti reports.  Go to full article