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Northway Exit 3 Project

Started by Jim, January 16, 2019, 08:19:31 AM

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astralentity

Quote from: webny99 on July 11, 2019, 10:39:14 AM
Quote from: vdeane on July 10, 2019, 01:04:09 PM
Plus it wasn't regarding the numbering (which is interesting mainly because the plan was to use 4A/4B for a while), but about configuration.  Part of me wonders if they thought the queue would be too much for a single interchange and wanted redundancy to split the queue.

Judging by the signs, they want westbound (airport) traffic to use Exit 3. The weird thing is that the new Exit 3 will likely be faster for those heading to eastbound Albany-Shaker, since the new loop will allow for one right turn instead of the current two left turns using Exit 4.

The only reason I can see to use Exit 4 is as a "shortcut" to the airport and points west, and for those with destinations between 155 and the airport. I don't know what traffic is usually like, so hard for me to say if people making those two movements are enough to justify the extra ramp. I guess either way there is no harm done in keeping it; probably just as cheap to tie it in to the Northway as remove it.

Exit 4 will still be easier for those of us who use Park & Fly


froggie

I would presume they're retaining a southbound Exit 4 in order to serve that industrial area between the south end of the airport and the Northway without overloading the southbound Exit 5 ramp.

QuoteMakes sense.  Didn't the original drawings that included I-687 showed Wolf Road still having its own interchange?

I've never seen these.  Do they exist somewhere?

astralentity

Quote from: froggie on July 11, 2019, 10:50:19 AM
I would presume they're retaining a southbound Exit 4 in order to serve that industrial area between the south end of the airport and the Northway without overloading the southbound Exit 5 ramp.

QuoteMakes sense.  Didn't the original drawings that included I-687 showed Wolf Road still having its own interchange?

I've never seen these.  Do they exist somewhere?

Can't remember where I saw them,  it was quite a while ago.

kalvado

Quote from: webny99 on July 11, 2019, 10:39:14 AM
Quote from: vdeane on July 10, 2019, 01:04:09 PM
Plus it wasn't regarding the numbering (which is interesting mainly because the plan was to use 4A/4B for a while), but about configuration.  Part of me wonders if they thought the queue would be too much for a single interchange and wanted redundancy to split the queue.

Judging by the signs, they want westbound (airport) traffic to use Exit 3. The weird thing is that the new Exit 3 will likely be faster for those heading to eastbound Albany-Shaker, since the new loop will allow for one right turn instead of the current two left turns using Exit 4.

The only reason I can see to use Exit 4 is as a "shortcut" to the airport and points west, and for those with destinations between 155 and the airport. I don't know what traffic is usually like, so hard for me to say if people making those two movements are enough to justify the extra ramp. I guess either way there is no harm done in keeping it; probably just as cheap to tie it in to the Northway as remove it.

Quote from: froggie on January 16, 2019, 11:45:23 AM
The final plan is to keep the existing Exit 4 ramp, but traffic using it will only be allowed to turn right (south) onto Wolf Rd.  To get to Albany-Shaker Rd will require using the new flyover ramp.

vdeane

Quote from: kalvado on July 11, 2019, 02:51:33 PM
Quote from: webny99 on July 11, 2019, 10:39:14 AM
Quote from: vdeane on July 10, 2019, 01:04:09 PM
Plus it wasn't regarding the numbering (which is interesting mainly because the plan was to use 4A/4B for a while), but about configuration.  Part of me wonders if they thought the queue would be too much for a single interchange and wanted redundancy to split the queue.

Judging by the signs, they want westbound (airport) traffic to use Exit 3. The weird thing is that the new Exit 3 will likely be faster for those heading to eastbound Albany-Shaker, since the new loop will allow for one right turn instead of the current two left turns using Exit 4.

The only reason I can see to use Exit 4 is as a "shortcut" to the airport and points west, and for those with destinations between 155 and the airport. I don't know what traffic is usually like, so hard for me to say if people making those two movements are enough to justify the extra ramp. I guess either way there is no harm done in keeping it; probably just as cheap to tie it in to the Northway as remove it.

Quote from: froggie on January 16, 2019, 11:45:23 AM
The final plan is to keep the existing Exit 4 ramp, but traffic using it will only be allowed to turn right (south) onto Wolf Rd.  To get to Albany-Shaker Rd will require using the new flyover ramp.
The exit 4 SB ramp to Old Wolf Road (current end of the c/d roadway) is also being preserved.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

webny99

Quote from: kalvado on July 11, 2019, 02:51:33 PM
Quote from: webny99 on July 11, 2019, 10:39:14 AM
Quote from: vdeane on July 10, 2019, 01:04:09 PM
Plus it wasn't regarding the numbering (which is interesting mainly because the plan was to use 4A/4B for a while), but about configuration.  Part of me wonders if they thought the queue would be too much for a single interchange and wanted redundancy to split the queue.
Judging by the signs, they want westbound (airport) traffic to use Exit 3. The weird thing is that the new Exit 3 will likely be faster for those heading to eastbound Albany-Shaker, since the new loop will allow for one right turn instead of the current two left turns using Exit 4.

The only reason I can see to use Exit 4 is as a "shortcut" to the airport and points west, and for those with destinations between 155 and the airport. I don't know what traffic is usually like, so hard for me to say if people making those two movements are enough to justify the extra ramp. I guess either way there is no harm done in keeping it; probably just as cheap to tie it in to the Northway as remove it.
Quote from: froggie on January 16, 2019, 11:45:23 AM
The final plan is to keep the existing Exit 4 ramp, but traffic using it will only be allowed to turn right (south) onto Wolf Rd.  To get to Albany-Shaker Rd will require using the new flyover ramp.

As noted, I was talking about southbound, while the quote from Froggie refers to northbound.

froggie

Also worth noting that the decision to keep the existing southbound Exit 4 ramp to Old Wolf Rd is a recent decision, made well after my January post.

nysdot_employee

As someone that has worked directly on this project, I can confirm that the change to make it Exit 3 and alter, rather than remove, the existing Exit 4 SB ramp is very recent and was done purely due to the Governor wanting an Exit 3. There was no engineering logic behind it and it actually goes against federal guidance on interchange spacing. It also will likely be adding millions to the construction cost. The initial design had years of decision making behind it, but we're changing it due to one man's wishes.

I apologize for the rant, but seeing so many people's hard work scrapped for no reason would get to anyone.

astralentity

Quote from: nysdot_employee on July 17, 2019, 10:52:49 AM
As someone that has worked directly on this project, I can confirm that the change to make it Exit 3 and alter, rather than remove, the existing Exit 4 SB ramp is very recent and was done purely due to the Governor wanting an Exit 3. There was no engineering logic behind it and it actually goes against federal guidance on interchange spacing. It also will likely be adding millions to the construction cost. The initial design had years of decision making behind it, but we're changing it due to one man's wishes.

I apologize for the rant, but seeing so many people's hard work scrapped for no reason would get to anyone.

Typical with the Princess.  He thinks he's the Emperor or something, and subsequently thinks he owns the state and the subjects and objects within.

Jim

Yes, but think of the children!  According to the governor, generations of kids have learned to count "1, 2, 4" because there's been no Exit 3 all this time.  Yes, he really said that.  See around 15:30 of the video linked on his office's page about this:

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/after-50-years-delay-governor-cuomo-announces-new-exit-3-improve-accessibility-albany
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astralentity

Quote from: Jim on July 17, 2019, 01:14:06 PM
Yes, but think of the children!  According to the governor, generations of kids have learned to count "1, 2, 4" because there's been no Exit 3 all this time.  Yes, he really said that.  See around 15:30 of the video linked on his office's page about this:

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/after-50-years-delay-governor-cuomo-announces-new-exit-3-improve-accessibility-albany

Which is bunk....  I certainly didn't learn how to count by the exits on the Northway.

vdeane

If he wanted an exit 3 that bad, he could have just done it.  The NB exit to Wolf Road that was always in the plan would have worked as exit 4.  Or he could have renumbered all of the exits from 4 to 8A.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

kalvado

Quote from: Jim on July 17, 2019, 01:14:06 PM
Yes, but think of the children!  According to the governor, generations of kids have learned to count "1, 2, 4" because there's been no Exit 3 all this time.  Yes, he really said that.  See around 15:30 of the video linked on his office's page about this:

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/after-50-years-delay-governor-cuomo-announces-new-exit-3-improve-accessibility-albany
This is exactly why mileage-based exits are a bad idea.
:bigass:

Jim

I got to drive the first of the new ramps on my way home this afternoon.  The old ramp from Albany Shaker to SB I-87 was barricaded and traffic directed to the new ramp to SB I-78, west of the Desmond.  The light there was operating to give me my left arrow.  The new pattern is clearly marked as a detour so is it temporary to accommodate construction work?  I am a little surprised I didn't see anything about an upcoming pattern change in recent days, since I take the left from Albany Shaker WB to the Northway SB most weekdays.  Driving along the new ramp, it's clear there's a lot to do before other ramps are good to go.  Little else appeared to be paved.
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vdeane

Given that they use signs like "yield ahead" and "right lane ends" for a normal ramp acceleration lane, I'm not sure how much I'd read into this being signed as a "detour".

(personal opinion)
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

seicer

Christ. Y'all realize there is sarcasm in his comments, but anything to get a dig in on the governor.

ARMOURERERIC

Quote from: Jim on July 17, 2019, 01:14:06 PM
Yes, but think of the children!  According to the governor, generations of kids have learned to count "1, 2, 4" because there's been no Exit 3 all this time.  Yes, he really said that.  See around 15:30 of the video linked on his office's page about this:

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/after-50-years-delay-governor-cuomo-announces-new-exit-3-improve-accessibility-albany

In the 70's, WIIC in Pittsburgh, went to an ad campaign of "e11even Alive". instantly the local Utes started spelling elleven.  Multitudes of parents and teachers complained.

vdeane

Drove through the new exit 3 ramp for the second time this morning, as my trip down last night was when it was already starting to get dark.  That's definitely not the final coat of asphalt on the ramp.  NB exit 3 looks similarly paved, though guiderail is needed west of the bridge, as well as finishing the capping of the retaining wall.  NB lane shifts are also gone, so there should be less panic braking from other drivers on my drives home from now on, at least.

Quote from: vdeane on September 27, 2019, 10:06:02 PM
Given that they use signs like "yield ahead" and "right lane ends" for a normal ramp acceleration lane, I'm not sure how much I'd read into this being signed as a "detour".

(personal opinion)
Found one more, and this one is a doozy: "right lane closed 1/2 mile" when the closure is regarding the acceleration lane for the original exit 4 SB on ramp. :pan:
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

storm2k

Quote from: ARMOURERERIC on September 28, 2019, 11:07:03 AM
Quote from: Jim on July 17, 2019, 01:14:06 PM
Yes, but think of the children!  According to the governor, generations of kids have learned to count "1, 2, 4" because there's been no Exit 3 all this time.  Yes, he really said that.  See around 15:30 of the video linked on his office's page about this:

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/after-50-years-delay-governor-cuomo-announces-new-exit-3-improve-accessibility-albany

In the 70's, WIIC in Pittsburgh, went to an ad campaign of "e11even Alive". instantly the local Utes started spelling elleven.  Multitudes of parents and teachers complained.

I think that was a total thing in the 70s. WPIX in NYC also started the eleven alive branding although I'm not sure if it led to kids spelling eleven wrong as a result.

Jim

For those looking for the day by day update..  What looks to be the overhead sign gantry for 1 mile advance signs for Exit 3 northbound went up since yesterday, and the one right at the exit ramp has side supports up with the rest of the structure ready to go sitting on the new ramp.
Photos I post are my own unless otherwise noted.
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vdeane

#45
Plus it looks like they might be finishing up the installation of the sound wall posts this week.  It looked like they had some up all the way to the southern end of the wall when I drove down this morning.

More work has been done on the SB exit 3 ramp.  Paving has begun there, and what looks like grading for the deceleration lane (hard to tell what the precise status is there, as I tend to find myself in the left lane passing slow traffic around that spot).  Once they finish paving that and have the guiderail in, we'll have another ramp open, and they'll be able to do the SB work for existing exits 4 and 5 that is currently on hold.

EDIT: That gantry was still not installed as of my drive home, but the sound wall posts are all in!  I must say, that wall is going to take some getting used to - it looks really out of place relative to the rest of the tree-lined corridor.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

SidS1045

Quote from: storm2k on September 29, 2019, 11:44:09 AMWPIX in NYC also started the eleven alive branding although I'm not sure if it led to kids spelling eleven wrong as a result.

Probably not, as the branding was spelled "11 Alive."
"A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves." - Edward R. Murrow

Jim

Quote from: Jim on October 09, 2019, 08:55:07 AM
For those looking for the day by day update..  What looks to be the overhead sign gantry for 1 mile advance signs for Exit 3 northbound went up since yesterday, and the one right at the exit ramp has side supports up with the rest of the structure ready to go sitting on the new ramp.

And now there are signs hanging on them.

First northbound advance signs:



and at the new exit ramp:



Also barely visible in the second photo, parked on the ramp, is a collection of additional sign panels ready to mount.
Photos I post are my own unless otherwise noted.
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Travel Mapping: https://travelmapping.net/user/?u=terescoj
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Twitter @JimTeresco (roads, travel, skiing, weather, sports)

vdeane

#48
The other northbound gantries were put up last week.  I would imagine those signs will appear on them shortly.  There were also a few panels placed in the sound wall when I drove down this morning.

One lane was paved northbound early in the month, but neither of the others were as of Sunday.  Southbound, part of the right lane was done near the exit 3 ramp (which looks like they're putting guiderail in right now) as of this morning.  There was also paving work on Albany-Shaker Road done over the weekend.

EDIT: As of today, all NB overhead signs are up, more of the sound wall panels are in, and all the main SB lanes are paved from the Albany-Shaker underpass through the end of the work zone (as is the exit 3 off ramp; the on ramp still needs a final course).  The off ramp has its guiderail in, so it looks like we're close there.  NB, it looks like they're extending the retaining wall.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

Jim

Photos I post are my own unless otherwise noted.
Signs: https://www.teresco.org/pics/signs/
Travel Mapping: https://travelmapping.net/user/?u=terescoj
Counties: http://www.mob-rule.com/user/terescoj
Twitter @JimTeresco (roads, travel, skiing, weather, sports)



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