Roundabouts drive Malta, NY traffic debate

One of the more highly debated road construction projects in New York State's Capital Region over recent years was the construction of five roundabouts along NY State Route 67 near the I-87 Northway in Malta. In an effort to improve traffic flow in this growing section of Saratoga County, and in anticipation of future growth (such as the AMD chip fab plant that is supposed to be built nearby), NYSDOT had decided to replace existing traffic lights with a series of roundabouts. It is designed to be faster and safer, and the results in the 10 months since the roundabout construction was completed echoes those principles. According to a June 27, 2007 article in the Albany Times Union, traffic times have cut down to an average of 2 minutes per trip as compared to an average of 6 minutes per trip before the roundabouts were put into place. Accidents are also down.

The complaint that many have with roundabouts has to do with navigation. People driving around the roundabouts in Malta have complained about how to drive on them. With some adaptation (or getting used to), roundabouts will actually show their usefulness. And they are becoming more popular, especially in the Capital Region of New York State. Completed projects in Glens Falls and Valatie, along with construction on the expansion of the Slingerlands Bypass (NY State Route 85) show the increase of roundabouts in the area. And I think that it is a good idea, and expect to see more roundabout construction in the area, typically at more complicated intersections.

Roundabouts drive Malta traffic debate - Albany Times Union

Comments

Adam said…

When the NY 85 roundabouts open, it certainly will be a favorite discussion item on WGY and WROW talk shows. Just like the Malta Roundabouts were and still are!

11:19 PM

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