NYSDOT Announces Early Opening of Capital Region's First Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI) in Latham

New I-87 Northway Exit 6 Interchange Now in Use 

ALBANY, NY (09/13/2010)(readMedia)-- New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee today announced the opening of the Capital Region's first Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI) at Exit 6 of Interstate 87, the Adirondack Northway. The new $41.9 million interchange, located in the town of Colonie in Albany County, replaces the 51-year-old bridge that carried State Route 7 over the interstate highway.

Governor David A. Paterson said, "Investing in our transportation infrastructure continues to bring jobs and economic benefits to regions all over New York State. This Single Point Urban Interchange is the first of its kind in the Capital Region, and the first overhead SPUI in New York. I congratulate the Department of Transportation for opening this interchange ahead of schedule and for its continued efforts to meet the needs of the traveling public throughout our great State."

"This project represents a major improvement to travel on the Northway, one of the most heavily-travelled roads in upstate New York," said Commissioner Gee. "The major benefit of this interchange is that with only one set of traffic signals, vehicles traveling in opposite directions can make left turns at the same time, allowing more cars to clear the interchange during one signal cycle and significantly reducing traffic delays."

Congressman Paul Tonko said, "Congratulations to New York State Department of Transportation for opening this Single Point Urban Interchange, which will greatly improve travel flow and safety for commuters along the Northway Exit 6 corridor. These improvements will also benefit nearby businesses and make it easier for commercial traffic to deliver needed goods and services."

Senator Neil Breslin said, "This is great news for the Town of Colonie as well as the entire Capital Region. A highway that flows smoothly creates a more efficient gateway to the businesses in the community and in turn helps boost economic growth. The updated Interstate 87 Exit 6 provides us with a safer, more practical design and solves the traffic and safety problems of the former bridge. Modernizing and improving our roadways is critical for Albany County's long-term success and the Single Point Urban Interchange bridge is helping to make this a reality."

Assemblyman Bob Reilly said, "I congratulate all who worked on the Exit 6 project. I watched the process from the beginning and was impressed as it progressed. I had an opportunity to meet with officials recently to make sure the project continued during these difficult economic times. I am pleased to see the results of this hard work which will serve us well for decades to come."

Albany County Executive Mike Breslin said, "We appreciate the efforts of the NYS Department of Transportation to rebuild a major intersection in Albany County. The construction of the SPUI had minimal impact to traffic and will now greatly improve safety and traffic flows at this busy interchange."

Town of Colonie Supervisor Paula A. Mahan said, "This is a great day for the Town of Colonie. We are now unique in having one of only three SPUI's in the state, and traffic at one of our busiest intersections will be moving much more smoothly. This was a huge project, and NYSDOT has done an outstanding job of managing it. I want to thank NYSDOT for working closely with the Town in implementing this project and for keeping the public so well informed on its progress, thus minimizing disruption to our citizens. We thank NYSDOT for all its efforts on our behalf."

A SPUI reduces the number of traffic conflict points and allows the interchange to function more safely and efficiently. This bridge over I-87 that is central to this project has an expected life span of 75 years and is the first overhead SPUI in New York State.

The new bridge features nine travel lanes compared to the former bridge's seven, and one traffic signal at the middle of the bridge replaces the two signals that were at either ramp system. This allows traffic to flow more smoothly, greatly reducing congestion and travel times. The SPUI also increases safety by allowing traffic from each direction on Route 7 to turn left onto the interstate simultaneously. Information on the continuing project and how to drive, walk or bike through a SPUI can be found at the project Web site, www.Exit6.org.

In addition to the project Web site, commuters can get real-time traffic conditions through the Department's 511 travel information system. Twelve live traffic cameras continue to provide a complete picture of traffic in and around the construction zone.

The bridge and its approaches provide greater vertical clearance over the Northway, allowing larger trucks to pass beneath. NYSDOT also made improvements to Wade Road Extension, Sparrowbush Road, and the intersection of Old Niskayuna Road and Old Wolf Road in anticipation of the expected increase in traffic diverted from the work zone.

Lancaster Development Inc. of Richmondville, Schoharie County, is the prime contractor on the project, which began in the spring of 2008. Paving and work to install pavement markings, curbing and sidewalks will continue through the fall. The project is on schedule for expected completion in summer 2011.

Traffic will begin using the new SPUI configuration and long-term lane closures will cease but there will be temporary daily lane closures during off peak hours this fall to complete the remaining work. Some travel delays should still be expected. Motorists should continue to use caution when driving through the interchange and pay attention to signs and traffic control devices.

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