A new 50-foot barrier project is underway on the North-South Arterial in Utica.

It's a busy roadway, but sometimes it's more like a dangerous waterway.

"I heard that it was basically like a river going on the Arterial down there, so it definitely seems to almost create a pool," said Brit Kuhl. She lives near the Arterial.

Holding that "pool" in is a concrete barrier in the middle. Soon, some of that barrier will be no more.

"It's what they call a 'Thrie Beam;' looks more like a 'W' beam that you'll see sometimes out on the Thruway. It's galvanized steel," said Jimmy Piccola of the New York State Department of Transportation. 

Piccola said most of the water pools on the northbound side, and this new barrier will allow the water to freeflow to the Southbound to drain.

It's good news for drivers and nearby residents like Brit Kuhl.

"Whatever they can do to alleviate some of the flooding would greatly benefit all of the people using this road," she said.

The project should be complete in six weeks, even if there's wintry weather.

A portion of the Arterial will be lowered from 55 to 45 miles per hour as crews work.