INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADE
Rensselaer Street now a two-way road
TROY, N.Y. » Rensselaer Street in Troy’s North Central neighborhood has been converted from a one-way to a two-way street, effective immediately.
The change was passed by the Troy City Council in 2021 and executed this year through the teamwork of the city’s Departments of Streets and Engineering. It was endorsed by former City Engineer Aaron Vera, who noted that making Rensselaer Street two-way would help to accommodate future developments along the River Street corridor. City officials also believe the change makes local deliveries to Rensselaer Street addresses easier, eliminating the need for delivery trucks to maneuver around other roads and improving traffic flow.
“When it comes to supporting our neighborhoods, community organizations, and growing small business economy, no detail is too small for consideration,” Troy Mayor Patrick Madden said in a news release. “While the change from a one-way designation to a two-way designation may seem like a minor detail, this small change will ensure our local organizations can increase their capacity to serve the neighborhood while maintaining the safe flow of motorists, commuters, and pedestrians along the River Street corridor.
“I thank our Troy City Council for their unanimous, bipartisan passage of this legislation, as well as our exemplary city workforce who made this change possible.”
With the change, parking will now only be permitted on the north side of Rensselaer Street Temporary “No Parking” signs were placed along the southern side during the transition period. The road has been freshly paved and striped to accommodate two-way traffic. Motorists should note the orange flags that are on street signs, which are placed when a recent change has been put into effect, and exercise caution as other motorists may still be adjusting to the changes in local traffic patterns.
“The City Council is proud to facilitate infrastructure upgrades that ensure the city’s capacity grows to meet the needs of our flourishing community organizations, who give so much back to our neighborhoods. In designating Rensselaer Street a two-way thoroughfare, we’re meeting the challenges posed by the success of Capital Roots and setting up the neighborhood for continued growth and development,” Troy City Council Majority Leader Sue Steele said in the release.
City officials noted how the expansion of the Capital Roots facility will benefit from this change. Capital Roots Chief Executive Officer Amy Klein said in the release, “We are grateful to the
City of Troy and its representatives for expanding access to Capital Roots’ services with this new two-way street. This expansion transforms transactions into opportunities and will serve as a catalyst for change in our community for decades to come.”
“With the expansion of Capital Roots, converting Rensselaer Street from a one-way street into a two-way street will help improve the traffic flow within this neighborhood,” Troy City Council President Carmella Mantello said in the release. “It’s important to balance economic development and quality of life in our neighborhoods, and I look forward to continuing to work with our businesses and neighborhoods to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”