Albany, NY (WRGB) -- Only On Six: A road built in the horse-and-carriage era is getting a much-needed upgrade as city crews work to modernize infrastructure in Albany neighborhoods.
Drivers on Manning Boulevard off Western Avenue have likely noticed construction trucks and signs lining the street. The work is part of a broader city effort to repave streets, reduce flooding, and replace lead water pipes that can pose serious health risks.
"It's much needed waited a long time for it, so it's awesome," said longtime neighbor Duane Barker.
Construction signs are welcomed by both Barker and Common Council Majority Leader Ginnie Farrell, who also lives on Manning Boulevard. Both have witnessed the street flood repeatedly.
"It didn't have much of a draining system, so it always flooded, especially the sidewalks and lots of potholes of course," Barker said.
"The entire sidewalk would be flooded for the majority of the year," Farrell added.
Before repaving, crews have been removing old lead service lines -- a relief to residents concerned about exposure.
"Every old city will have lead service lines, and that's a major chance where people can actually get lead poisoning or lead into their system. So the fact that the city is going through and proactively removing the lead service line is just tremendous for any neighborhood," Farrell said.
Mayor Kathy Sheehan said the Manning Boulevard project is just one example of dozens of infrastructure projects taking place across Albany.
"This project is a huge win for our residents, businesses and the city's pocketbooks," Sheehan said.
The project is being funded with federal dollars secured under the Biden administration. Over the past 12 years, the city has paved more than 200 miles of streets, part of an ongoing effort to improve Albany's roadways.