Updated 09/07/2012 12:40 PM
Road work to begin on Twin Bridges
Expect some delays if you use the Twin Bridges this weekend. The DOT has begun work there as part of a major renovation project. Beth Croughan spoke with the DOT, who says this project is inconvenient, but necessary.
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HALFMOON, N.Y. -- Traffic moved smoothly as cars merged onto the Northway Friday morning.
But as drivers make their way toward the Twin Bridges this weekend, it's expected things will move slower.
"The peak delays are actually going to be from mid-morning to late afternoon on Saturday and Sunday," said State Department of Transportation Spokesperson Carol Breen.
There will be delays as construction crews work to replace the deck of the northbound bridge. It will be closed for six Saturdays and six Sundays as cars are directed to travel over the Mohawk River in one lane of traffic each way.
"Of course it's an inconvenience, but the work needs to be done," said Clifton Park Resident Paul Long.
The State Department of Transportation spokesperson said new decks will give the more-than 50-year-old bridges more decades. The southbound bridge will be worked on in the spring. "It's going to significantly increase safety for the traveling public. And ensure that this corridor continues to be reliable for the thousands of motorists, the thousands of long distance travelers and the thousands of trucks that use it each day," Breen explained.
The $29 million project is part of Governor Andrew Cuomo's NY Works program, which focuses on improving and investing in the state's infrastructure. Breen said the weekend work is safer, more cost-efficient and will not impact weekday commuters but strongly suggests finding another way during the closures.
"I would take Route 9, but Route 9 gets to be the same problem," said Clifton Park Resident Sue Tubolino of using an alternate route to avoid the congestion.
The DOT suggests "the bridge carrying Route 32 over the river between Cohoes and Waterford, or the Rexford Bridge carrying Route 146 between Niskayuna and Clifton Park," as other options.
Further details about this project can be found in the release posted on the DOT's website.