TROY, N.Y. – The City of Troy announced that Rensselaer Street, formerly a one-way street in Troy's North Central Neighborhood, will accommodate two-way traffic effective 9AM on October 6, 2023.
Troy's Departments of Streets and Engineering worked together to execute the change, which was passed by the Troy City Council at the Request of the Administration through Resolution 83 of 2021. The legislation was endorsed by former City Engineer Aaron Vera P.E., who noted it would help accommodate future development along the River Street corridor, including the expansion of the Capital Roots facility. The change will allow Rensselaer Street addresses to accept local deliveries without trucks having to maneuver, and thus interrupt the safe flow of traffic, on busy River Street.
"When it comes to supporting our neighborhoods, community organizations and growing small business economy, no detail is too small for consideration," said Troy Mayor Wm. Patrick Madden. “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.”
Once Rensselaer Street changes to a two-way traffic flow, parking will only be permitted on the north side of Rensselaer Street. “No parking” signs have been temporarily placed along the southern side of Rensselaer Street during the transition period from one-way traffic to two-way traffic. The striping of the road to accommodate two-way traffic occurred after the road was freshly paved; a continuation of paving projects that have improved roadways in every neighborhood of the City of Troy.
Troy City Council President Carmella Mantello: “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. 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.”
Troy City Council Majority Leader Sue Steele: "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."
Capital Roots Chief Executive Officer Amy Klein: “We are grateful to the City of Troy and its representatives for expanding access to Capital Roots’ services with this new two-way street. Bringing the Good Food Market and Incubator Kitchen to our neighborhood is not just about providing goods; it's about nurturing hope, fostering connections, and sowing the seeds of empowerment. This expansion transforms transactions into opportunities and will serve as a catalyst for change in our community for decades to come.”
Orange flags are placed on street signs where a recent change has been put into effect. Motorists who notice such flags should exercise caution, as other motorists may still be adjusting to changes in local traffic patterns.
As the City of Troy includes in all traffic advisories, motorists are asked to slow down in all construction zones, observe posted traffic restrictions, and watch for flaggers and equipment operating in the street right-of-way areas. Speed kills—your caution behind the wheel could save a life.
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Additional images available; all images courtesy of Capital Roots.