Beware: Massive Morning Traffic for New Project on Route 9W

For the second morning in a row, rush hour traffic was snarled on Route 9W in Ulster County as the finishing touches are put on an ambitious project that includes a new crosswalk and traffic signal at an already-popular intersection.

Roadwork in Highland, NY Backs Up Route 9W

The work, which is taking place in front of the entrance to the Hannaford shopping plaza in Highland, NY, is meant to make the flow of traffic easier for residents of the Highland Hills neighborhood as well as a newly-constructed senior living facility. Not everyone is on board.

Traffic Light "Controversy" in Highland, NY

The main issue raised with the new signal is its proximity to a heritage traffic light already controlling traffic to the shopping plaza less than 300 feet away (below), leading some commuters to worry about stuttered traffic flows. Others, however, saw it as a welcome upgrade for residents who have to fight Route 9W traffic to begin their drives. Both sides, however, have been affected by recent roadwork.

Morning Rush Hour Traffic Delayed on Route 9W in Highland, NY

Whether approaching from Route 9W or nearby sideroads, traffic was severely backed up on Tuesday, October 21st and Wednesday, October 22nd during morning rush hour as crews closed the left lane on Route 9W north to accommodate the painting of new road markings as well as a new crosswalk (below).

When construction is completed, there will be a new traffic signal, crosswalk signal (and crosswalk), and new paint on Route 9W. Hudson Valley residents who rely on Route 9W north for their morning commute should plan on their trip taking longer than normal this week as the final touches are added.