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GOSHEN, N.Y. -- The Department of Transportation held its first of three public workshops on Wednesday to discuss a new $1 million study of the Route 17 corridor. The corridor, which spans from the Thruway in Central Valley to Monticello, has the potential to turn into Instate 86.

Wednesday's forum discussed a plan that the DOT said will complement the work that has been completed over the past decade for the conversion. The current work on the conversion is focused on the technical criteria that the federal government requires for interstates. The study looks into maintaining its existing condition, building third lanes for both directions, and rapid public transportation options.

"Right now these are all very conceptual. As the study progresses, we'll be honing in on the more feasible alternatives, and then a final set of recommendations," said Sandra Jobson, Public Involvement Coordinator for Route 17 Corridor Study.

Two more public workshops will be held, one in November, and the last in February before a final decision is made on the project.