Department of Public Works News

Albany County Begins Federal Stimulus Project on Maxwell Road

Project Will Improve Safety on Busy Intersection

Albany County Executive Mike Breslin was joined September 23 by Town of Colonie Supervisor Paula Mahan and Director of Regional Affairs for Governor David Paterson James Hanson to break ground for the County's first federal stimulus project. The project will improve the safety of the intersection at Maxwell Road and Albany Shaker Road (County Route 157).

From left to right: James Hanson, director of Regional Affairs for Governor Paterson; Colonie Town Supervisor Paula Mahan; County Executive Mike Breslin; George Rifenberg, Rifenberg Construction; and Jack Robson, Foit-Albert Associates

Maxwell Road will be relocated a few hundred yards east to the other side of the Town of Colonie Library, creating a new intersection with a roundabout. The move will improve traffic at the busy intersection and prevent traffic turning left onto Maxwell Road from Albany Shaker Road from backing up into the nearby Wolf Road intersection.

Governor David A. Paterson said, "Today, the economic recovery funds we obligated to this project go to work. We celebrate the job opportunities, as well as the safer commute that our Albany County residents and visitors will soon enjoy. I am proud to have set aside the funding necessary to move forward on the Maxwell Road project and thank my colleagues at all levels of government for their support of the federal stimulus funds."

"Projects like this one at Maxwell Road are testament to the success of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which Congress passed earlier this year," said Congressman Paul Tonko.  "Not only is this project creating new jobs in the county of Albany, it is also helping to improve the safety and traffic flow of the region.  I want to thank Governor Paterson and my colleagues at the state and local level for making this project a priority."  

County Executive Breslin said, "I thank Governor Paterson and Congressman Paul Tonko for their efforts to bring federal stimulus dollars to our County. This is currently a very dangerous intersection, particularly during rush hour with cars frequently backing up to Wolf Road. This project will improve traffic flows and safety in this busy area as well as create construction jobs."

The total cost of the project is approximately $5.2 million and will be completely funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The project is a joint effort by Albany County, which owns Albany Shaker Road, and the Town of Colonie, which owns Maxwell Road.

The work, which also includes repaving Albany Shaker Road, will be completed by the end of 2010. Right turns in and out of Old Maxwell Road (near the Times Union building) will still be allowed.

Supervisor Mahan said, "This project is a great example of municipalities working together with the federal government for a common goal.  The new intersection, with its roundabout, will make both Maxwell Road and Albany Shaker Road safer and improve traffic flow at the busy Wolf Road intersection.  These

benefits are further increased by the fact that federal stimulus funds will pay for the entire project, saving much-needed monies for our localities and creating new jobs for our citizens.  I thank Governor Paterson and Congressman Tonko for their leadership in helping secure these funds, and I thank Albany County for its leadership on a project that will greatly benefit the Town of Colonie.

County Legislator Gordon, chair of the County Pubic Works Committee said,  "During these tough economic times, it is gratifying to receive federal stimulus money to not only help rectify the traffic situation in this area, but to help keep people working."

New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee said, "The capacity and safety improvements scheduled for Maxwell and Albany Shaker roads will make it easier for people to get to work, go out to eat and go shopping at the many shops and businesses these roads serve in the community.  Governor Paterson has made it a priority that recovery money be made available quickly for key infrastructure upgrades like this project that enhance our quality of life and help retain and create jobs."

Once the new intersection is complete, the Town of Colonie will begin Phase II of the project to extend Maxwell Road from Albany Shaker Road to Marcus Boulevard, creating a Wolf Road service road and diverting some traffic from Wolf Road.

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