[3] Prior to the completion of the Erie Canal Washington Avenue was part of the main route from New England to Central and Western New York.

[5] Washington Avenue ended at Fuller Road until 1973, when the extension section, which continues to New York State Route 155 in the western edge of Albany, was completed.

Heading northwest, as a four-lane road, Washington Avenue moves past the northern side of the New York State Capitol as it climbs in elevation away from the Hudson River.

Washington Avenue continues it northwest course by paralleling Interstate 90 as a four-lane divided highway, and forms the northern boundary of the SUNY Albany Uptown Campus.

Washington Ave Ext ends at the intersection with New Karner Road (NY 155), with the right-of-way continuing in a business park as Madison Avenue Extension.