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Road work rage
Marv Cermak

State Street, the main drag that runs several miles through the middle of Schenectady, in recent weeks received a complete facial. Brand new pavement from the Western Gateway Bridge to the Niskayuna town line; some new curbing and a bright road striping paint job.

What looks and sounds like a nice state-funded gift has caused mucho grumbling from Woodlawn area business owners and neighborhood household residents alike.

The rejuvenation project involved converting what was pretty much a four-lane road into a two-lane configuration plus a left-turn lane.

Four business owners told me the new design at peak traffic times backs up vehicles for blocks. They're irritated because customers are having a tough time getting in and out of their parking lots.

I spoke with several others who reside in the area. They complained about difficulty getting from their residential side streets into the State Street main flow. One really upset worker at a Stewart's Shop was hollering at me: "Why don't you write something about this mess?''

A couple residents said the delays were causing them to be late for work. "Whoever came out with this design must have had their head in the sand,'' a fuming business owner told me.