FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2019
STATE BEGINS WORK ON A ROUNDABOUT AT I-587, STATE ROUTE 32 AND ALBANY AVENUE IN THE CITY OF KINGSTON, ULSTER COUNTY
New Roundabout Will Enhance Safety and Traffic Flow at Busy Gateway
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced that work is beginning on an $11.6 million project to reconstruct the intersection of Interstate 587 (Colonel Chandler Drive), Broadway, and Route 32 (Albany Avenue) in the City of Kingston, Ulster County, into a modern roundabout. The reconfiguration -- featuring streetscaping, landscaping, and pedestrian and cyclist facilities -- will smooth traffic flow and enhance safety at a busy entrance to the city.
“This three-way intersection is an important gateway to the City of Kingston and its many cultural and commercial attractions,” Commissioner Dominguez said. “Building a roundabout here will enhance and beautify the entrance to the city, making it easier than ever to access and support local commerce. This project is another great example of the smart transportation investments Governor Cuomo is making across New York State.”
The new design will improve the functionality of the intersection, easing traffic flow, reducing congestion and making it easier to navigate the convergence of three heavily traveled roadways. Significant public input was considered during the project’s development. The redesigned intersection will support the public’s desire to refine the appearance of the city’s gateway, improve freight mobility, enhance economic vitality and protect the historical character of the area. NYSDOT landscape architects worked with a committee of local volunteers to develop the plan for the intersection’s landscaping and general aesthetics.
The new roundabout will be equipped with upgraded pedestrian and cyclist facilities, including raised crosswalks, pedestrian-controlled signals and a mixed-use path. On-street parking will be maintained to provide easy access to local businesses.
Assemblyman Kevin Cahill said, “I applaud the Department of Transportation for the careful approach they are taking for this landscape-altering project for central Kingston. The City of Kingston has likewise exercised prudence in combining other infrastructure work and minimizing disruption for neighbors and others using our roads. The modernization of what is the Gateway to Kingston is an important and necessary step. Safety, the environment, the impact on neighbors and ease of travel will all be significantly improved by a responsibly executed project.”
Ulster County Executive Patrick Ryan said, “Developed in collaboration with the community, the roundabout is a welcome addition to a major gateway into historic Kingston. Designed to enhance safety, optimize efficiency, and reduce traffic disruptions, this project will be an appropriate introduction to the City and will transform the intersection to better serve both Ulster County residents and visitors. Thank you to Commissioner Dominguez and NYSDOT for undertaking this critical initiative.”
City of Kingston Mayor Steve Noble said, “I would like to thank New York State DOT for their investment in the City of Kingston’s infrastructure and ultimately our quality of life. When the roundabout is complete, it will be a more welcoming introduction to Kingston for visitors and will offer smoother passage through our City for our residents. This much-needed improvement will benefit all – whether on foot, bike, wheelchair or car -- to better navigate a currently frustrating and often dangerous intersection.”
Field preparation, survey and utility work is getting underway this winter, weather permitting, but most project construction is scheduled for the 2020 and 2021 construction seasons. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2021.
Construction is expected to be done in stages, including five traffic shifts. Throughout construction, digital message boards will be posted along major corridors in the city to alert motorists about traffic changes. Pedestrian and cyclist access will be maintained throughout the project duration. Traffic delays should be expected. Efforts will be made to maintain or relocate parking in the area while construction is ongoing.
NYSDOT provides additional information online regarding roundabouts, as well as downloadable brochures, at https://www.dot.ny.gov/main/roundabouts. An instructional video about how to safely navigate roundabouts is available at driving roundabouts.
NYSDOT earlier this year unveiled a public service announcement and social media campaign focused on the importance of driving responsibly in work zones. The video highlights the importance of paying attention in work zones and obeying New York State’s “Move Over” laws.
Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.
For up-to-date travel information, call 511 or visit www.511NY.org. Follow New York State DOT’s Hudson Valley Region on Twitter: @NYSDOTHV. Find NYSDOT on Facebook at facebook.com/NYSDOT.