# Northway facing 'intolerable' future **URL:** \ **Category:** Shift518 Off Topic\ **Created:** [March 3, 2012, 11:18am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877 "2012-03-03T11:18:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![RocketPunch](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/rocketpunch/32/6429_2.png) [@RocketPunch](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/RocketPunch)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 11:18am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877/1 "2012-03-03T11:18:56Z")
They are doing a public hearing about the report and I recommend people who lives around that area to attend and voice their ideas and concerns. source: [http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Northway-facing-intolerable-future-3378649.php](http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Northway-facing-intolerable-future-3378649.php) > With as many as 150,000 drivers already on the Northway every weekday, continued growth could soon make traveling from Saratoga County to Albany unbearable, a new report for the state Department of Transportation concludes. > “Forecasts show that, unless corrective actions are taken, congestion and delays will continue to worsen throughout the combined I-87/US 9 corridor, and grow to intolerable levels, as the Capital District’s population and employment opportunities grow,” the report says. > The study by a New York City-based planning firm, Parsons Brinckerhoff, outlines options to improve traffic flow between Saratoga County and Albany, despite challenges like the narrowness of the Thaddeus Kosciusko Bridge and the more than 400 driveways that dot Route 9. > The report suggests using variable message boards that alter the speed limit and direct motorists toward alternate routes during congestion. It calls for considering carpool lanes, traffic lights that limit how many cars can enter the Northway at one time, and possibly a toll for an express lane on the Northway, an option DOT spokeswoman Carol Breen acknowledges would be unpopular. > The 75-page report is meant to outline all available options, she said, and the state is not committed to any of them. > “It is an extremely high-travel corridor. We really needed to focus on where we can do better,” she said. “We’re really still in the discussion phase. These are some of things that need to be addressed. We need to bring the public in at this point.” > A meeting for residents to discuss the report will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Colonie’s library, 629 Albany Shaker Road. > “We’re trying to look at things that can be done without huge, major, costly infrastructure projects,” Breen said. “We’re not going to add a fourth lane to the Northway.” > Traffic along the Northway peaks at 150,000 vehicles a day between exits 5 and 6 in Colonie. The general volume is closer to 120,000 to 130,000 vehicles a day, with the number dropping to 100,000 once past Exit 9 in the heavily populated Clifton Park/Halfmoon area. > At peak commuting times, speeds at several spots along the Northway drop below 20 mph. > In Europe, systems called active traffic management include overhead message signs to tell drivers to change lanes and that the speed limit has changed due to the congestion. A 2006 study showed that capacity increased and accidents dropped where the systems were used. Such systems have now been introduced in Seattle and Minneapolis. > In some areas along the Northway, drivers also could be allowed to use the shoulders as lanes during peak traffic volume. > “This option would require resolution of a number of issues,” the report states. “For example, I-87 provides only 10 foot shoulders along most of its length in the study area but no shoulders are present on the Twin Bridges.” > Drivers would still need room to pull over if their cars break down, Breen said. > The report focuses a great deal more on the Northway than Route 9. Breen said that’s because the state only has to worry about traffic on the highway, while Route 9 involves land use issues among the various towns. > “We don’t want to make more traffic problems on Route 9,” Breen said. The state also wants to avoid creating traffic impacts on side roads, she said. > “A lot of what we’re considering for Route 9 is better managing traffic,” she said. “Transit is going to be big focus on Route 9. If we can encourage more efficient systems that people will use, it can become an efficient tool.” > The report says electronic messages could help there too. > “A series of route guidance signs should be placed along Route 9 that have a dynamic element allowing the signs to indicate the path that (a) motorist should follow to divert around the observed congestion,” the report said: Alternate routes should be based on actual travel time so drivers don’t find the alternate path takes longer than if they had stayed put. > The state DOT also is asking for legislation requiring drivers in fender benders to move their vehicles off the roadway. > While drivers typically stay where they are so police can examine the scene, Breen said, investigators can reconstruct accidents without having to see where cars landed. By removing the cars to the side of the road, she said, it increases safety and keeps traffic moving. > The state has no timeline for when it might turn the report’s options into concrete actions. “It’s really going to be taking the public input and digesting it,” Breen said. > [tobrien@timesunion.com](mailto:tobrien@timesunion.com) • 518-454-5092 • @timobrientu > Variable message boards to alter speed limit and direct motorists to alternate routes in case of conjestion > Carpool lanes > A toll for an express lane > Traffic lights limiting how many cars can enter the Northway at one time > \*DOT has not committed to any of the options. > **Public meeting** **> What: Meeting for residents to discuss report on Northway congestion** **> When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday** > **Where: Stedman Room, William K. Sanford Town Library, 629 Albany Shaker Road, Colonie** ---
**Author:** ![HudsonFalcon](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/hudsonfalcon/32/6460_2.png) [@HudsonFalcon](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/HudsonFalcon)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 12:59pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877/2 "2012-03-03T12:59:32Z")
Bicycle Lane. ---
**Author:** ![PJB](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/pjb/32/6389_2.png) [@PJB](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/PJB)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 1:18pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877/3 "2012-03-03T13:18:24Z")
rocket launchers to blast the 3 slow idiots with no cars in front of them blocking all the lanes from moving continuously. ---
**Author:** ![Ilya](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ilya/32/6404_2.png) [@Ilya](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Ilya)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 3:44pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877/4 "2012-03-03T15:44:12Z")
Believe it or not…this is actually a good thing. With the expansion of UAlbany’s Nano Tech program (that new building near the current Nano facility), Luther Forest, etc. this area is going to EXPLODE with high-tech jobs. VERY good for the local economy and such. They will figure it out and improve it. I’m just waiting for the high-speed rail from Rens. to NYC to get built. 1hr train commute right into Grand Central and an IT job paying $20k+ more a year. Can’t WAIT. ---
**Author:** ![Murrdog9000](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/murrdog9000/32/6391_2.png) [@Murrdog9000](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Murrdog9000)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 3:48pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877/5 "2012-03-03T15:48:16Z")
Yah that project is huge I guess. ---
**Author:** ![Vovchandr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vovchandr/32/6275_2.png) [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 3:55pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877/6 "2012-03-03T15:55:37Z")
> [@F'ing Knee Surgery SUCKS BALLS!!!!! (rant)](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/fing-knee-surgery-sucks-balls-rant/48483/16): > > Believe it or not…this is actually a good thing. > > With the expansion of UAlbany’s Nano Tech program (that new building near the current Nano facility), Luther Forest, etc. this area is going to EXPLODE with high-tech jobs. VERY good for the local economy and such. > > They will figure it out and improve it. > > I’m just waiting for the high-speed rail from Rens. to NYC to get built. 1hr train commute right into Grand Central and an IT job paying $20k+ more a year. Can’t WAIT. They are going to start working on a sister building as soon as this one is done. ---
**Author:** ![Boxersix](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/boxersix/32/6327_2.png) [@Boxersix](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Boxersix)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 4:33pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877/7 "2012-03-03T16:33:17Z")
I would estimate that at good 30% or more of the congestion problems on the this stretch of road are due to lack of driving skill. How many congestions have started because of people being unable to merge properly or because a state trooper has someone pulled over on the side of the road? I drive this road very frequently and can say without pause that all but a few of the times I’ve been struck in traffic on this road it’s been due to above reasons… not weather, not accidents, not lack of road space. I think this state, among many others, need to rethink their drivers skill level first and work on increasing driving proficiency ---
**Author:** ![RocketPunch](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/rocketpunch/32/6429_2.png) [@RocketPunch](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/RocketPunch)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 4:37pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877/8 "2012-03-03T16:37:36Z")
You know what needs to be done? I think we should all go to that hearing to troll them and everyone should suggest the speed limit to be raised to 130mph. :rofl ---
**Author:** ![HudsonFalcon](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/hudsonfalcon/32/6460_2.png) [@HudsonFalcon](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/HudsonFalcon)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 4:40pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877/9 "2012-03-03T16:40:51Z")
I can tolerate the congestion on the Northway and Route 9 since I can leave the house a few extra minutes early to combat and delays I might face. What I can’t tolerate is the dismal condtions of the road surfaces themselves. ---
**Author:** ![Vovchandr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vovchandr/32/6275_2.png) [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 4:55pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877/10 "2012-03-03T16:55:24Z")
> [@F'ing Knee Surgery SUCKS BALLS!!!!! (rant)](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/fing-knee-surgery-sucks-balls-rant/48483/19): > > You know what needs to be done? I think we should all go to that hearing to troll them and everyone should suggest the speed limit to be raised to 130mph. :rofl Or tell them to get rid of trooper UTurns before and after the bridge that cause panic and braking domino effect. ---
**Author:** ![Ilya](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ilya/32/6404_2.png) [@Ilya](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Ilya)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 5:40pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877/11 "2012-03-03T17:40:22Z")
> [@F'ing Knee Surgery SUCKS BALLS!!!!! (rant)](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/fing-knee-surgery-sucks-balls-rant/48483/18): > > I would estimate that at good 30% or more of the congestion problems on the this stretch of road are due to lack of driving skill. How many congestions have started because of people being unable to merge properly or because a state trooper has someone pulled over on the side of the road? I drive this road very frequently and can say without pause that all but a few of the times I’ve been struck in traffic on this road it’s been due to above reasons… not weather, not accidents, not lack of road space. > > I think this state, among many others, need to rethink their drivers skill level first and work on increasing driving proficiency Man has a point on this matter. NYS was rated the worst driving state I believe either this past year or the year before that. ---
**Author:** ![Boxersix](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/boxersix/32/6327_2.png) [@Boxersix](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Boxersix)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 5:51pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877/12 "2012-03-03T17:51:18Z")
> [@ex smokers come in](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/ex-smokers-come-in/48491/19): > > Or tell them to get rid of trooper UTurns before and after the bridge that cause panic and braking domino effect. BINGO!!! ---
**Author:** ![DannyboyUpstate](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/dannyboyupstate/32/6313_2.png) [@DannyboyUpstate](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/DannyboyUpstate)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 6:11pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877/13 "2012-03-03T18:11:38Z")
> [@Boxersix"](#): > > BINGO!!! +1 ---
**Author:** ![RocketPunch](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/rocketpunch/32/6429_2.png) [@RocketPunch](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/RocketPunch)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 6:41pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877/14 "2012-03-03T18:41:01Z")
> [@Let Beckington back on NYSPEED...with a poll for all of your voting needs!](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/let-beckington-back-on-nyspeed-with-a-poll-for-all-of-your-voting-needs/48471/47): > > Man has a point on this matter. > > NYS was rated the worst driving state I believe either this past year or the year before that. May I present Exhibit “A”: [http://www.shift518.com/showthread.php?t=29429](http://www.shift518.com/showthread.php?t=29429) :rofl ---
**Author:** ![Vovchandr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/vovchandr/32/6275_2.png) [@Vovchandr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Vovchandr)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 6:42pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877/15 "2012-03-03T18:42:15Z")
> [@Earl's to Re-Open Thursday Morning](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/earls-to-re-open-thursday-morning/48490/9): > > May I present Exhibit “A”: [http://www.shift518.com/showthread.php?t=29429](http://www.shift518.com/showthread.php?t=29429) > > :rofl :crackup +rep ---
**Author:** ![Ilya](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ilya/32/6404_2.png) [@Ilya](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Ilya)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 8:24pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877/16 "2012-03-03T20:24:23Z")
:lol ---
**Author:** ![Boxersix](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/boxersix/32/6327_2.png) [@Boxersix](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Boxersix)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 8:26pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877/17 "2012-03-03T20:26:32Z")
> [@Earl's to Re-Open Thursday Morning](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/earls-to-re-open-thursday-morning/48490/9): > > May I present Exhibit “A”: [http://www.shift518.com/showthread.php?t=29429](http://www.shift518.com/showthread.php?t=29429) > > :rofl I call that a solution to the “overcrowdedness” Put em all on bikes and free up road space 😃 ---
**Author:** ![RTrac1](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/rtrac1/32/6312_2.png) [@RTrac1](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/RTrac1)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 8:37pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877/18 "2012-03-03T20:37:00Z")
some of the issue can be alleviated by coordinating the work schedules of some of the larger employers in Albany. Stagger them to control when the cars hit the road. this is what GE used to do in schenectady when they were really rockin ---
**Author:** ![Dread](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/dread/32/6544_2.png) [@Dread](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Dread)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2012, 8:57pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877/19 "2012-03-03T20:57:59Z")
This reminds me a bit of southern states shutting down when they get a dusting of snow ---
**Author:** ![SSmokinn\_SS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@SSmokinn\_SS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/SSmokinn_SS)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2012, 6:21am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877/20 "2012-03-04T06:21:47Z")
> [@F'ing Knee Surgery SUCKS BALLS!!!!! (rant)](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/fing-knee-surgery-sucks-balls-rant/48483/18): > > I would estimate that at good 30% or more of the congestion problems on the this stretch of road are due to lack of driving skill. How many congestions have started because of people being unable to merge properly or because a state trooper has someone pulled over on the side of the road? I drive this road very frequently and can say without pause that all but a few of the times I’ve been struck in traffic on this road it’s been due to above reasons… not weather, not accidents, not lack of road space. > > I think this state, among many others, need to rethink their drivers skill level first and work on increasing driving proficiency bingo. you have one tard out there tailgating someone in rush hour traffic and constantly hitting their brakes…then it backs up everyone. No one is smart enough to “pace” their selves without hitting the brakes every 2 seconds. This is why I get road rage on my way to work every morning. [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/northway-facing-intolerable-future/262877.md?page=2)