New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has begun improvements to the intersection of Washington Avenue Extension and Fuller Road, an $18 million project to clear up traffic congestion and help accommodate rapid growth at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) of the University at Albany. The project is the result of a partnership between NYSDOT, Albany County and the Fuller Road Management Corporation (FRMC).

CNSE Senior Vice President and CEO Dr. Alain Kaloyeros said, “This important initiative further demonstrates Governor Andrew Cuomo’s leadership and commitment to driving economic prosperity by continuing to build a world-class nanotechnology industry in New York State. This project will enable critical infrastructure improvements to support expansion of the UAlbany NanoCollege, while at the same time providing a long-term traffic solution that eases congestion and heightens safety for motorists and pedestrians throughout the region.”

NYSDOT will realign Washington Ave. Ext. to the north and install a two-lane roundabout at the Fuller Road/County Road 156 intersection. A flyover bridge will be built to carry through-traffic, thereby removing 20,000 cars daily from the intersection and providing improved access to CNSE’s Albany NanoTech Complex, which is currently engaged in a $366 million expansion project. Nearly 30,000 vehicles travel through the intersection each day.

Pedestrian and bicycle access will be improved with new sidewalks and a new, 10-foot bicycle lane that will connect to existing bike trails. Reduced congestion will enhance transit schedules; new bus bays on Washington Ave. Ext. will provide safer stopping areas for riders.

Most of the work can be done without impacting traffic. More than 3.5 miles of Washington Ave and Washington Ave. Ext. will be reconstructed, together with a half mile stretch of Fuller Rd.