A contingent of Hudson Valley economic development advocates and labor leaders converged on the state Capitol on Wednesday, pushing for the addition of lanes to Route 17 to meet the rapidly expanding growth of tourist attractions and other businesses along the east-west corridor.

Advocates are pushing for a $500 million expansion of Route 17 amid future traffic concerns.

The Sullivan County Legislature formally added its voice to the chorus of local officials calling for the construction of a third lane on Route 17.