Direction:

East/West

Western Terminus:

North-South Arterial Highway (NY 5/NY 8/NY 12), Oriskany Street West (NY 5A), and Oriskany Street East (NY 5S) in Utica

Eastern Terminus:

Leland Avenue (NY 5) in Utica

Distance:

2.06 miles

Counties:

Oneida

Signed:

Yes

I-790 is a short interstate in Utica that is multiplexed with NY 5 for its entire length. It begins at the point where the North-South Arterial Highway (NY 5/NY 8/NY 12) becomes a freeway. I-790 follows the freeway for one exit to the point where NY 5 splits off from NY 8/NY 12. It follows NY 5 along a pair of roadway along the side of the New York Thruway (I-90) that serve as its service roads. These roadways end at Leland Avenue, where NY 5 turns north and I-790 ends.

I-790 is perhaps one of the most pointless signed interstate designations in use, more likely to confuse motorists than to help them to navigate effectively. It is redundant with NY 5 and ends almost as abruptly as it begins. Also, there is no direct access to I-790 from I-90. Despite exit 31 of the Thruway being signed for I-790, motorists must use Genesee Street to make the connection.