Intersection Redesign Slows Traffic On Route 26 in Vestal

Drivers are encountering delays because of a major intersection reconstruction project on Route 26 in Vestal.

Changes are being made to the Sheedy Road intersection because of safety concerns and increased traffic volume.

Workers have been pouring concrete and milling old pavement along Route 26 in recent days.

While the work is underway, a single lane of traffic is being maintained. Flag personnel have been posted in the work zone to guide vehicles around workers and construction equipment.

Left-turn lanes will be added to Route 26 to improve overall traffic flow at the intersection. Changes also are being made to improve sight distance for drivers turning from Sheedy Road onto Route 26.

Some Vestal town officials in the past had requested a standard traffic signal at the intersection. They were concerned about increased traffic in the area because of the new Vestal Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. The Sheedy Road facility opened nearly a year ago.

According to the state Department of Transportation, the objective of the project is to reduce crashes at the intersection in a "cost-effective" manner.

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