Do Roundabouts Have You Spinning Right Round, Right Round?

You may have noticed that more roundabouts are coming to the area, with the newest one at Route 9W and Feaura Bush Road. The city decided to build this roundabout because traffic continues to increase on 9W. It connects to 787, Albany, and the Thruway.

The purpose of a roundabout is to allow traffic to flow smoothly and quickly. For example, when driving in a roundabout, you move in a circle to the right; after yielding to traffic coming from the left, there is no need to cut across traffic or stop abruptly as you do with a traffic light.

It sounds simple, but residents in the area are not using the new turning lanes properly, according to town Supervisor David VanLuven. This is a common complaint when drivers try to get used to new traffic patterns.

Signs have since been posted in the area showing guidance to drivers entering the right-hand lane of the roundabout on 9W must turn right and not continue around the circle.

In the Spring, new sidewalks and landscaping are scheduled for the area. In the meantime, officials ask the community for patience and drivers to obey all signage. Hopefully, with the new signs, you won't be stuck in the roundabout; and you won't be going right round, right round!