In response to warydriver:

In virtually every location where ramp metering has been installed, there has been a marked reduction in accidents if the configuration of the traffic signals and if the highway signage leading up to it is properly designed and implemented.

Ramp metering actually decreases accidents, because the timing of the traffic lights provides a steady, regular pattern of traffic entering the freeway, instead of a hap-hazard, chaotic jumble of cars, which is what is occuring at locations like the Wolf Road ramps now.

If motorists would actually look at and study the data, and see demonstrations of ramp metering in action, they would understand how beneficial it is to achieving safer, more-controlled entry of vehicles onto the highway, and less backups on the surface streets.

People are always uneasy about new projects such as roundabouts and new intersection designs (such as the new Single Point Urban Interchange which has been installed at Exit 6 of the Northway in Latham), however I, myself, have noticed that traffic flows much better even during rush hours, and the design dramatically reduces backups onto the side roads. It also appears as though accidents at that location have been substantially reduced.

Here is an old, yet still appropriate video explaining how ramp metering works:

Sorry, I have to re-post to the link to the video because it didn't show up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsvaGXW6moA

I tend to agree a ramp meter would help. Another "solution" might be to extend the NB on ramp from Exit 4 to the off ramp at Exit 5. This would not be a multi-million dollar fix, but knowing NYS it would be. Do they _really_ need to WAIT for the whole Exit 4 to be redesigned? NO!! Do it NOW and take it out of the Exit 4 redesign. The Exit 5 NB on ramp was extended to Exit 6 and that helped tremendously.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTFw-LlzXHU

Closed

Reopen this issue.

Why did you reopen a ticket where the work has been completed they didn't make a change but not going to make a change so why keep opening up a ticket that nobody other than other people who live in Colonie look at

"...that nobody other than other people who live in Colonie look at". It was probably reopened because ramp metering would benefit anyone who drives the Northway in the Exit 4 area.

Even though I live 45 miles north of Colonie and drive through the Exit 4 area everyday, congestion in Colonie affects me too. If enough people see the need for changes, maybe the elected officials will make some needed changes... eventually. Ramp meters would be a welcome addition to at least Exit 4 NB and Exit 8 SB. Maybe Exit 7 NB but only if the entrance ramp was lengthened to at least the Pollack Road overpass (Exit 7 NB entrance ramp was totally UNDER built).

Here's the problem no one from the highway department looks at this application

It might be true highway departments do not routinely look at this website (A few do; most don't). Other people look at this website though. THOSE people should be taking ideas from this website and offer suggestions whenever a highway dept has a public meeting about construction projects. Or attend a local Town/Village Board meeting and offer suggestions so the suggestions are on public record.

The exit was redone. Can this be closed now?