By Marlene McTigue
Capital Region Independent Media
RAVENA—The Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk (RCS) community is rallying behind a grassroots letter-writing campaign to address escalating truck traffic, which continues to disrupt daily life along state Routes 143 (Main Street, Ravena) and 144.
At the center of the effort is Albany County Legislator Zach Collins, a Conservative representing the 37th district, who is advocating for a new Thruway exit between exits 21B and 22 in the town of Coeymans to alleviate the burden of the excessive traffic.
Collins explained that commercial vehicles, particularly tractor-trailers, are causing headaches for residents on state Routes 143 and 144, impacting motorists in Coeymans and the village of Ravena. Currently, trucks must traverse these state routes to access Thruway exits 22 to the north and 21B to the south, contributing to the ongoing traffic issues in the area.
“Truck traffic has become a serious problem for our community,” Collins said. “These state routes are the main arteries for large commercial vehicles, which significantly impacts local drivers. We need to explore every option to improve the flow of traffic and enhance safety for our residents.”
One of the primary solutions Collins is advocating for is the creation of a new Thruway exit specifically for commercial vehicles, which would help reduce the burden on local roads.
“A new exit would be a game-changer, especially with the increased truck traffic related to industrial growth, such as the Port of Coeymans, Coeymans Industrial Park, and the Holcim Ravena Plant. It would give trucks direct access to the port without clogging up our small towns,” Collins said.
Rebecca Flach, vice chair of the RCS Community Business Association, agrees.
“There is no doubt that the truck traffic on Main Street is an impediment to economic development and Main Street revitalization,” Flach said. “The community we envision would host sidewalk cafes and coffee shops. Getting a Thruway exit that would take the bulk of the commercial truck traffic off main street would be a great first step toward the traffic calming we need to see our vision realized.”
Despite the logistical challenges involved in creating a new exit, Collins has taken proactive steps by meeting with local and state officials, as well as representatives from Holcim, owner of the nearby quarry that generates significant truck traffic. These discussions have underscored the complexity of the issue, from securing Department of Environmental Conservation permits for a suggested new road through Holcim property to addressing road infrastructure improvements.
Nonetheless, Collins remains committed to pushing for a solution that would benefit both residents and local industries.
In mid-August, he launched a communitywide letter-writing campaign aimed at drawing state-level attention to the issue. The campaign encourages residents to send letters directly to Gov. Kathy Hochul, requesting immediate action and the construction of a new Thruway exit.
Lisa Neuman, director of the RCS Community Library, sees a worthy cause.
“We’re providing residents with everything they need to participate—whether they need to print, sign, or mail letters. This is an opportunity for the community to make their voices heard on an issue that impacts their daily lives,” Neuman said.
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Tara Van Der Heide, a part-time resident of the area, expressed her concerns about the increasing truck traffic.
“This town used to be so quiet, but the truck traffic has gotten out of control. It’s a real safety concern. The letter-writing campaign is a brilliant idea, and I’m happy to support it,” she said.
As the campaign continues to gain momentum, Collins is determined to keep the pressure on state officials.
“We’re not stopping until we see real action,” Collins said. “A new Thruway exit would go a long way in reducing the truck traffic burden on our community, and with enough support, we can make it happen.”
The letter-writing campaign began just before the Friendship Festival in mid-August and has no set end date. Residents are encouraged to visit the RCS Community Library to participate, or they can contact Collins’ office for more information on how to get involved or visit the link at https://shorturl.at/U14Ic.
Collins is hopeful that the community’s unified voice will result in meaningful action from state officials, bringing relief to the impacted areas.
“This is about more than just traffic,” Collins said. “It’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents by finding long-term solutions to the challenges our community faces every day.”
