ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Most drivers know their daily commutes like the back of their hand. But throw a changed speed limit, a detour or the presence of construction workers in, and a road you've traveled a million times can look and feel foreign.

It’s work that needs to be done, but how does the state Department of Transportation communicate that to drivers?

Thousands of drivers pass over the stretch of highway over the Erie Canal by Kreag Road each day. 

For the last few months, though, they’ve been sharing the road with construction crews replacing two bridges that carry Interstate 490 over the canal. 

Once a week, Christopher Reeve stops along the route to check on the progress. As regional director for the New York State Department of Transportation, he understands that a project this large can be tricky for drivers, especially with the introduction of the "zipper merge."

“The 'zipper merge,' or the 'late merge,' is really is the best way to move through work zone most efficiently," said Reeve. 

The DOT started rolling out a campaign informing drivers about the change months before work began. 

“We’re trying to capture as many people as possible," said Reeve. "[We] felt the best way to do that is through social media, radio [and] billboards”. 

Drivers aren’t the only ones affected. Highway construction also impacts neighboring towns. It’s something the DOT takes into consideration. 

“When we’re in our design process, that’s taking place a year to nine months in advance. We do public outreach," said Reeve. 

“It’s created a gridlock," said Town of Victor Supervisor Jack Marren. "People are asking, 'how much longer?'"

That’s the number one question Marren gets since the 490 construction started. He says any updates on the project from the DOT get shared on the town’s social media and website. 

“We try to work collectively," Marren said. "We understand it’s a short construction season. People get used to how long it takes to get from point A to B. We know it’s an adjustment."

It's an adjustment drivers will continue to face for years to come. It's a $60 million project expected to last the next three years. 

“Like we do in the wintertime, we give ourselves leeway for inclement weather," said Marren. "[We] do the same thing for construction season."