Opinion: New traffic pattern in Potsdam not acceptable, says Potsdam man

To the Editor:

I wonder if I'm the only person that questions the new traffic pattern on Rt.11 in Potsdam? Changes are usually designed to make improvements but, in this case, I'm not sure that got accomplished.

Traffic "counts" are what they are but funneling 4 lanes, basically into 2 lanes, seems to have created lots of congestion. The center turn lane does nothing to relieve the problem. Getting in and out of Ebens or Mountain Mart isn't any easier. I'm not sure about Clarkson. Traffic using the south bound lane on the bypass at the Pine street intersection has become way more dangerous for folks that try to follow the new rules. As many of us have found out the hard way, some drivers fly past in the left lane and are trying to force their way into the correct lane. Some folks use their signal and ask for permission, but many will aggressively try to squeeze over and force a way in. That works fine until you confront a "Oh Hell No" person in the correct lane trying to play by the rules. Did anyone not think that would happen?

Of course, this is about to get way worse with the return of many young, and in some cases, inexperienced and aggressive drivers.

I'm not sure who to appeal to but if enough people question the design, maybe the highway dept. could repaint the line stripes. And I know the answer will probably be, "it's not that simple" but I doubt that it is that large a project. It would be nice to get it done before the snow flies and, God Forbid, before someone is seriously hurt. Stay safe.

Glenn Niles
West Potsdam