The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving the state’s vast transportation network. To efficiently manage this extensive system, NYSDOT divides the state into eleven distinct regions. Understanding these regions is key to navigating transportation-related information and services within New York. This guide will help you identify the NYSDOT region relevant to you, based on your county of residence or travel.
NYSDOT Region 1: Capital District
Region 1, known as the Capital District, serves a large population of approximately one million residents across nine cities, 45 villages, and 108 towns. Encompassing 6,580 square miles, this region is responsible for maintaining a significant infrastructure, including 5,300 highway lane-miles and 828 state bridges. The Capital District is also home to two Metropolitan Planning Organizations: the Capital District Transportation Committee and the Adirondack/Glens Falls Transportation Council, highlighting the importance of regional transportation planning. Additionally, Region 1 manages a considerable number of airports, with seven publicly owned and twelve privately owned facilities within its boundaries.
| Counties in Region 1 |
|---|
| Albany |
| Essex |
| Greene |
| Rensselaer |
| Saratoga |
| Schenectady |
| Warren |
| Washington |
NYSDOT Region 2: Mohawk Valley
The Mohawk Valley Region, or Region 2, is staffed by 620 full-time employees dedicated to serving approximately 480,000 people. This region covers a six-county area of 6,146 square miles, encompassing 8 cities, 53 villages, and 89 towns. Region 2’s infrastructure responsibilities include 1,335 centerline miles of state highways, 482 state bridges, and 95 miles of the Amtrak Line, demonstrating its vital role in both road and rail transportation within the Mohawk Valley.
| Counties in Region 2 |
|---|
| Hamilton |
| Herkimer |
| Fulton |
| Madison |
| Montgomery |
| Oneida |
NYSDOT Region 3: Central New York
Located in the heart of Central New York, Region 3 serves six counties: Cayuga, Cortland, Onondaga, Oswego, Seneca, and Tompkins. This region is home to approximately 850,000 people residing in six cities, 49 villages, and 97 towns. Region 3’s strategic location at the crossroads of the Penn-Can Highway (I-81) and the New York State Thruway (I-90) underscores its importance as a transportation hub within the state.
| Counties in Region 3 |
|---|
| Cayuga |
| Cortland |
| Onondaga |
| Oswego |
| Seneca |
| Tompkins |
NYSDOT Region 4: Genesee Valley
Region 4, also known as the Genesee Valley region, is composed of seven counties in Western New York. Serving over one million customers, Region 4 plays a critical role in the transportation network of Western NY. The region has experienced stable population levels, indicating a well-established community and infrastructure.
| Counties in Region 4 |
|---|
| Monroe |
| Ontario |
| Livingston |
| Orleans |
| Genesee |
| Wyoming |
| Wayne |
NYSDOT Region 5: Western New York
Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, Region 5 is designated as the Western New York region. It encompasses four counties in the westernmost part of the state: Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara. Region 5 is crucial for transportation to and from Canada and serves a significant population center in Buffalo and surrounding areas.
| Counties in Region 5 |
|---|
| Cattaraugus |
| Chautauqua |
| Erie |
| Niagara |
NYSDOT Region 6: Southern Tier/Central New York
Region 6 serves the Central Southern Tier of New York State, including the counties of Allegany, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Yates. This region plays a vital role in connecting the Southern Tier with Central New York, facilitating commerce and travel across this area.
| Counties in Region 6 |
|---|
| Allegany |
| Chemung |
| Schuyler |
| Steuben |
| Yates |
NYSDOT Region 7: North Country
The North Country region, Region 7, is geographically the largest NYSDOT region, covering 8,643 square miles across five counties. Despite its large size, the population is relatively sparse but growing, reaching approximately 400,000 residents. This growth is partly attributed to the military expansion at Fort Drum and the development of new correctional facilities in the region. Region 7 employees are responsible for the full spectrum of transportation activities, from planning and design to construction and maintenance, across this expansive area.
| Counties in Region 7 |
|---|
| Clinton |
| Franklin |
| Jefferson |
| Lewis |
| St Lawrence |
NYSDOT Region 8: Hudson Valley
Region 8, the Hudson Valley region, is characterized by its stunning scenery and historical significance. Each county within Region 8 borders the Hudson River, a major waterway recognized as one of the 14 Great American Rivers. The Hudson River supports both commercial and recreational navigation, influencing the transportation landscape of the region. The Hudson Valley is a popular destination for history enthusiasts and tourists, adding to the demands on its transportation infrastructure.
| Counties in Region 8 |
|---|
| Columbia |
| Dutchess |
| Orange |
| Putnam |
| Rockland |
| Ulster |
| Westchester |
NYSDOT Region 9: Southern Tier
Region 9, headquartered in Binghamton, NY, covers a substantial 6,238 square miles, making it the third largest region within NYSDOT. It is geographically diverse, encompassing parts of the Central Leatherstocking Area and extending into the Catskill Region. Region 9 shares its entire southern border with Pennsylvania, incorporating scenic areas like the Endless Mountains and the Delaware River valley. The region is also rich in Native American history, reflected in numerous place names throughout the area.
| Counties in Region 9 |
|---|
| Broome |
| Chenango |
| Delaware |
| Otsego |
| Schoharie |
| Sullivan |
| Tioga |
NYSDOT Region 10: Long Island
Region 10 serves Long Island, a densely populated area with over 2.8 million residents across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. This region includes 13 towns, 2 cities, and 95 incorporated villages, as well as numerous legislative districts at various levels of government. Despite its smaller geographical area compared to other regions, Region 10 manages a significant transportation network, with approximately 1,000 NYSDOT personnel responsible for maintaining 5,300 state highway lane miles and 546 bridges to support the high population density and traffic volume of Long Island.
| Counties in Region 10 |
|---|
| Nassau |
| Suffolk |
NYSDOT Region 11: New York City
Region 11 is the New York City region, serving a massive population of approximately 7.5 million people within a compact 308 square mile area. This region encompasses the five boroughs: The Bronx, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. Region 11 faces unique transportation challenges due to the extreme population density and complex urban environment of New York City. Managing the NYSDOT highways within New York City is a critical and demanding task, ensuring the flow of traffic within this major metropolitan center.
| Counties in Region 11 |
|---|
| Bronx |
| Kings |
| New York |
| Queens |
| Richmond |
Conclusion
Understanding the NYS Department of Transportation regions is essential for anyone living, working, or traveling in New York State. By identifying your county within these regions, you can better navigate NYSDOT services, understand regional transportation projects, and connect with the appropriate regional office for your needs. This regional structure ensures effective management and responsiveness to the diverse transportation needs across the entire state of New York.
