Starting in spring 2024, the New Hartford Village started construction on the road and it is still going on today.
Changes in traffic patterns are announced through various media outlets.
“Motorists will encounter lane closures in both directions during the day for milling operations and overnight for paving operations. Traffic will expect to have short term traffic stoppages during the milling and paving operations,” reported WKTV in early September.
People in the school community have been curious about why the construction has been happening.
“ I would guess that they’re fixing the potholes to make the roads better,” said New Hartford resource teacher Mrs. Anggaputra explaining her perspective on construction in the village.
The construction doesn’t stop there as it affects other people outside of the school community like loved ones and it can make traveling from work or other places frustrating and less convenient when any one tries to go somewhere.
“I’m glad they’re fixing the roads to make it better for us to make it worth it in the end, but in the moment it makes it frustrating to get from one place to another when so much of the village is closed off,” said Ms. Jennifer Neal a parent who often drives in the village.
Even though it is inconvenient, construction can improve society, provide jobs, and can connect communities.
The Observer-Dispatch website reported that the construction will “replace extensive segments of sidewalks, add new curb ramps, new traffic signals to improve mobility, and will improve the main street and quality of life for the residents. Watermain replacement, signal, and curb ramp work will begin this month and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023. The remainder of the paving work is anticipated to be completed in 2024, NYSDOT said as they announce the expected timetable for this construction.”
