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The congestion on the Mohawk River bridges keeps getting worse. I, along with many residents, believe what is needed is a new Colonie/Clifton Park bridge across the Mohawk River.
With the 40B that is available in federal infrastructure, it puzzles me that the only time my opponent has applied for such funds was for the building of the infamous “Bridge to Nowhere” in his own home town Amsterdam.
He seeks Saratoga and Albany county votes, but apart from cameos and photo ops, he ignores those constituents. If elected, Infrastructure would be a priority from roads to sewer and water needs and I wouldn’t just talk about it, I would do it.
In order to insure federal funding of the project a new U.S. Route 9A (Alternate) would be created. This Route 9A bridge will reduce the traffic congestion, and in turn, reduce accidents which now cause gridlock.
The new Colonie/Clifton Park bridge across the Mohawk River should be located somewhere between Vly and Albany Shaker roads on the southside of the Mohawk River. The new Route 9A would start at the existing Route 9 at the Latham traffic circle and traveling with the Troy-Schenectady Road until it crosses the new Colonie/Clifton Park bridge, and then along Vischer Ferry Road till it reaches Route 146, and then the new Route 9A would travel with Route 146 until in ends on the existing Route 9.
A new road may be needed to be built on the northside of the Mohawk River to connect the new bridge to Vischer Ferry Road.
Both of the existing Route 9 and Northway bridges currently connect the Town of Colonie with the Town of Halfmoon. The new bridge will be in the center of the Town of Clifton Park.
The bridge is only one example of the infrastructure improvements needed. If elected, I will represent the entire district and will be open to help facilitate infrastructure improvement that is a useful and an effective use of tax dollars.
Joe Vitollo
Candidate for the 20th Congressional District