Updated 08/11/2010 05:15 PM
Drivers frustrated over construction at new traffic pattern
If you plan to drive on Albany-Shaker Road in Colonie over the next few weeks, get ready for a headache. Construction and a newly unveiled traffic pattern are causing backups at the Maxwell Road and Wolf Road intersections. As our Sabina Kuriakose tells us, drivers can't seem to hide their frustration.
To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.
COLONIE, N.Y. -- "It's a real pain," said one driver.
"It's like a mess," added another.
"I'm trying to get to work, and look! What a mess," exclaimed one woman.
It's a traffic nightmare for Colonie commuters confused by the new roundabout at Maxwell Road, and slowed by construction down the road at the Wolf Road intersection.
"It'll take some time. It's like any other change in traffic patterns; people will have to get used to it," said Michael Franchini, Director of Operations for Albany County.
But so far, there's been a learning curve for the nearly 18,000 cars that travel this stretch of Albany-Shaker Road every day. After nine months of construction, the roundabout debuted Tuesday night. But some drivers expressed frustration that they didn't get enough advance warning.
"If they let you know ahead of time it was going to be like this, you could prepare for it. But they just do it right out of the blue," said one angry commuter.
"Yesterday was really bad. The backup was probably about two or three miles," added another.
Something else drivers have to get used to - Maxwell Road is now closed. In its place, a new Maxwell Road.
"Just be patient if you can't avoid it. Construction will be done soon," assured Franchini.
While many drivers say the roundabout is driving them up a wall, Albany County said they're doing it all in the name of safety.
"You don't get high speed crashes, you don't get fatalities that you would at a regular 90 degree signalized intersections," said Franchini.
He said traffic will be tied up for at least the next three weeks as construction continues. Still, at least some drivers are taking a positive spin on things.
"This is going to work. Not today maybe, but it'll get there," said one.
"You gotta do what you gotta do. Hopefully it'll get better," added another driver.