CAPITAL REGION Rt. 7 bridge project will affect traffic, wetlands in region BY JUSTIN MASON Gazette Reporter Reach Gazette reporter Justin Mason at 395-3113 or jmason@dailygazette.net.
Replacing the aging Route 7 bridge over Interstate 87 in Colonie will result in the creation of more than 3 acres of wetlands near the Thruway in Rotterdam, state officials said Thursday. With final design work on the bridge project concluding this month, the state Department of Transportation is seeking permits to create 3.5 acres of mixed forest and shrub wetland in an empty fi eld located near Exit 26 and south of the Mohawk River. The new habitat will serve as mitigation for impacts to 4.5 acres of wetlands near Erin Drive and Wade Road in Colonie. “There was really no room near to create the wetlands,” said Rick Georgeson, a regional spokesman for the State Department of Environmental Conservation. The estimated $25 million bridge replacement project also involves changing the existing interchange pattern to a “single point urban interchange,” the first of it’s kind in New York. Unlike other the existing interchange, DOT spokesman Peter Van Kueren said the single point will utilize only one light for vehicles going east and west on Route 7 and for cars exiting and entering the Northway. Once completed, the new interchange is expected allow greater traffic capacity on Route 7 and Route 2, decrease delays and provide better safety, according to DOT. Van Kueren said the project became necessary due to the age of the Route 7 bridge, which was constructed in 1958 when the Northway was first built. Van Kueren said most major work on the project should be completed six months into construction, with final paving and landscaping extending the project into 2010. In addition to building a new traffic pattern, DOT will also raise the height of the bridge to meet modern clearance standards. He said the low-clearance bridge’s steel has weakened from numerous vehicle crashes over the years. Van Kueren said DOT tried unsuccessfully to find property nearer to the project for wetlands mitigation. Large commercial development already surrounds much of the area slated for the project. During construction, Van Kueren said the heavily traveled Route 7 and Route 2 will likely be limited to two lanes in either direction. He said the project is a massive undertaking. “Given the amount of traffic that goes through there, it’s going to be a job of many impacts,” he said. “We know it’s one of the larger projects the area seen in the last few years.”
Replacing the aging Route 7 bridge over Interstate 87 in Colonie will result in the creation of more than 3 acres of wetlands near the Thruway in Rotterdam
YUP...that's just what Rotterdam needs is even MORE wetlands!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
And this is right in the exit 26 area, probably a place that was part of the study out there. I did e-mail Mr. Tommasone on this, which he requested that I call him. While I haven't had that chance, I'm going to do my best to get in contact with him in the near future.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
No, but not because he didn't try. I didn't get a chance to call him and I was going to go see him at the board meeting, but I just wasn't feeling good tonight, soI didn't go.
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