More Roundabouts Coming to Clifton Park to Help With Heavy Traffic?
Everyone knows that the areas near Route 146 and Route 9 in Clifton Park are extremely congested. Now with the plan to build the One-Four-Six Marketplace in the works, it will just get worse. They want to reconfigure the area to make the traffic flow better. Does that mean more roundabouts are in the future?
There Are Several Intersections Along Route 146 That Need to Limit Congestion
The New York State Department of Transportation will be working to review a few of the busiest intersections in the Capital Region. Clifton Park has been a traffic nightmare for some time, especially near Route 9 and 146, Route 146, and Clifton Park Center. With more development on the way, something needs to be done.
Will Roundabouts Be The Answer to the Congestion Problem?
It is too soon to say if the DOT will recommend roundabouts in the area of Route 146 and Route 9, also Route 146 and Clifton Park Center. All that has been said so far is that the state will be considering "potential enhancements" according to the Albany Business Review. However, Town Supervisor Phil Barrett said,
There’s no doubt DOT believes that roundabouts are generally the correct way to solve traffic issues at intersections. They’ve made that clear by the number they’ve constructed in the last several years. My guess is that would be a top priority for them. I have no idea if it works on an engineering basis [there]. They haven’t said anything at this point.
There Won't Be Any Construction Happening Just Yet
The DOT said it is too soon to say if roundabouts will be the answer to the congestion. They will be doing reviews that will "encompass several factors." This includes traffic counts, roadway configuration, and accident data in the area. Bryan Viggiani of the DOT said that
[NYSDOT] fully intends to work with local stakeholders and keep the community informed as this process continues.