A major construction project that started in the fall on Route 59 has been raising concerns among drivers, who say traffic congestion near Palisades Center Mall has been getting worse.

As part of the state Department of Transportation's multimillion-dollar project, bridges will be replaced, traffic lanes and sidewalks will be added and a section of Route 59 will be raised to eliminate flooding.

The DOT says traffic will be monitored closely to address delays and adjust lane closures.

Clarkstown Town Supervisor Alex Gromack says it would have been prudent if the DOT could have scaled back the level of construction during the holiday shopping season.