Solution to Intersection Problem Sought
Legislator hosts community meeting to help motorists exit safely onto Route 202
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 19, 2007
Contact: George Oros, Tel: (914) 995-2828, Goo6@westchestergov.com
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| Legislator Oros (right) listens intently to concerns of residents from Quarry Acres with state Assemblywoman Sandra Galef, Senator Vincent Leibell representative Ray Maguire and Cortlandt Supervisor Linda Puglisi. |
Approximately 50 residents from the Quarry Acres section of Cortlandt attended a meeting hosted by Legislator George Oros (R-C/Cortlandt) to discuss possible solutions for motorists at the congested intersection of Route 202 and Old Crompond Road.
Joined by state Assemblywoman Sandra Galef, Cortlandt Supervisor Linda Puglisi, Cortlandt Councilmen Joseph Cerreto and Frank Farrell and a representative from state Senator Vincent Leibell’s office, Oros said he was sympathetic to the frustration residents expressed about the difficulties trying to exit safely onto Route 202 and felt collectively some improvements could be made.
While installing a traffic signal was viewed as the ideal long-term solution, something the state Department of Transportation would have to approve as part of its long-range plans statewide, a quicker possible fix mentioned was the painting of hash marks in a box on the roadway urging motorists not to block the intersection at Old Crompond Road so other vehicles could turn right or left. While approval may be forthcoming, the work itself would require state bidding process and other governmental red tape.
“Once we get approval, we can have a block party and paint it ourselves,” quipped Oros, who said he would arrange for the County Police to monitor the area once the box was in place.
Puglisi, who noted a recent traffic signal improvement at the intersection of 202 and Croton Avenue cost $250,000, said a traffic study of 202 and Old Crompond Road could help bolster the chances of the DOT agreeing a traffic signal was warranted.
“The goal is to get a traffic signal there,” she said. “It’s very unsafe. You take your life into your hands trying to make a left hand turn, or even a right hand turn.”
The Cortlandt Town Board is expected to pass a resolution at its October 23 meeting supporting a new traffic signal. At that same meeting, a yield sign at the end of Field Stone Lane entering Old Crompond Road will be changed to a stop sign.
Oros suggested a no right turn on red sign be posted at the intersection of 202 and Lexington Avenue to allow motorists exiting from Old Crompond Road time to make a left hand turn.
Accident statistics from Yorktown Police and State Police at the troubled intersection were also going to try to be obtained.
A follow-up meeting with the police, DOT representatives, residents, elected officials and officials from the Lakeland School District, whose buses often struggle to enter and exit at the intersection, is expected to be held in a few months.
