Van Dyke lane closures to last 3 weeks in Utica, changes coming

UTICA — Lane closures began Oct. 26 for the Van Dyke Avenue median project, which aims to eliminate the dangerous driving conditions that result from illegal left turns.

The project includes the inside northbound lane being closed just south of Canal Road and then reopened north of Hall Road.

The southbound turn lane to Canal will be closed, south of Hall Road, and the southbound inside lane will become the “turn only” lane from Van Dyke onto Canal. The inside lane will reopen south of Canal.

The project is expected to last three weeks. Officials expect that this closure will be for the entire project.

Utica Mayor Gus Calandrino said the excessive number of illegal left turns on Van Dyke, south of Hall Road, has created the need for additional traffic controls.

“A cement median with mounted delineators is being constructed on Van Dyke from Hall Road to Greeley (Street). These illegal turns disrupt traffic and create hazardous driving conditions for our commuters.

“We regret the disruption during the construction period. Once the construction is completed, Van Dyke will be much safer for anyone trying to travel through our city,” he said.

Bill Diamond, the Utica Department of Public Works superintendent, said this project has been in the works for some time and the city is finally seeing movement on it. He said they understand this can be frustrating and challenging for commuters to adapt to, but it is a must that the city does this project.

“While we understand the frustration from this added traffic control, we hope for travelers’ patience while work commences. Safety and timeliness of this project is what we are striving for,” he said.

For more information, visit cityofutica.org or call (586) 739-1600.