Interstate 86 (Pennsylvania–New York)

Interstate 86 (I-86) is an east–west Interstate Highway stretching across portions of Pennsylvania and New York. It is not a continuous route; instead, it comprises several distinct segments that are intended to eventually be connected to form a single, continuous highway.

The westernmost segment of I-86 begins in Erie, Pennsylvania, at an interchange with Interstate 90. From there, it travels eastward through northwestern Pennsylvania before crossing into New York state near Salamanca.

In New York, I-86 continues eastward, serving cities such as Jamestown, Olean, and Elmira. This section of I-86 largely follows the Southern Tier Expressway, a pre-existing highway upgraded to Interstate standards.

East of Elmira, a gap exists in the I-86 designation. The highway resumes further east, near Binghamton, and continues eastward toward the New York–Pennsylvania border, eventually terminating at an interchange with Interstate 81 near Great Bend, Pennsylvania.

The goal is to eventually connect these segments to form a continuous I-86 across the Southern Tier of New York. Various construction projects are ongoing or planned to achieve this objective. Once fully completed, I-86 will provide an improved east-west transportation corridor across the region, enhancing connectivity and economic development. The highway is designated as part of the National Highway System.