The bypass is being constructed to provide an alternate route to I-87 and reduce traffic in the area of Malta and Round Lake in preparation for possible congestion associated with Advanced Micro Devices should the company locate to Luther Forest technology campus in Malta, said Caleb Stratton, planner for Town of Malta.

It will replace the existing Curry Road and George Avenue which are currently used to access the Northway at exit 11 from the village. It will not add an additional exit to the Northway but will include a roundabout adjacent to the exit, according to Stratton. A Northway exit is in preliminary stages of planning and will not be finalized for a few years, he added.

“This project will reduce traffic flow and increase pedestrian safety in the village center,” Stratton said.

The $22.4 million project is being built by Rifenburg Construction Inc. based out of Troy.

According to the New York State Department of Transportation, the bypass is being built on lands that are zoned as residential and agricultural, but the property has limited potential for development because it is mostly wetlands with steep slopes. The bypass will disrupt part of the Zim Smith Trail and a Saratoga P.L.A.N. nature trail; however, a pedestrian bridge will be built over Ballston Creek to conserve the trails.

Construction crews are working to clear the land and lowering the profile of the earth by blasting to accommodate the 1.6 mile bypass, which is scheduled to be finished by August 2009, but could finish as early as June 2009 if the project stays on schedule, Stratton said. 

Just below the surface of the earth lays bedrock and hard rock which needed to be blasted in order to continue construction; however the blasting stage is finished, said DOT Spokesman Pete Van Keuren, and crews are beginning the pedestrian walkway.

“We have been working closely with residents to keep them informed about what is going on and the current stages of construction. There is discomfort and concerns from residents but we are keeping everyone informed,” Van Keuren said.