Roadwork may be hassle for fairgoers, Bills fans

There is a major roadwork project happening at US-62 (South Park Avenue) and Sowles Road in Hamburg.

Over the last few months, contractors for the New York State Department of Transportation has been working to install a roundabout at the center of the busy intersection. 

"They are found to be safer. They keep traffic moving, so you're not stopping traffic like you are at a traditional four legged intersection with a traffic signal," New York DOT Public Information Officer Susan Surdej said. 

Many people use this route to get to the Erie County Fair and the Ralph Wilson Stadium. Some drivers are worried the $1.8 million construction project could cause more traffic problems than usual. 

"There is going to be some big backups with the construction, even without the construction," Kristen Stephens said. 

Wednesday morning cars in the south bound lanes were lined up from Sowles Road to near Southwestern Boulevard, trying to get past the roadwork. 

"It will be a nightmare considering all of that. The fairgrounds right there. The fair is going on. The casino traffic is there. A lot of the Bills traffic comes through right through this area to get to the stadium. So, if people don't know the detour around this area there is going to be some big backups," Erie County resident Kristen Stephens said. 

New York DOT said it's holding off on closing lanes for the project until the fair is finished. They expect the project to be completed by November.