New Traffic Signals and Turning Lanes Will Enhance Safety and Ease Traffic Flow at Key Interchange in the Town of Southeast
The New York State Department of Transportation yesterday announced that construction has begun on a $2.2 million project to enhance safety and traffic flow at the interchange between Interstate 84 and State Route 312 in the Town of Southeast, Putnam County. Enhancements, including redesigned turning lanes and new, better-coordinated traffic signals, will make it easier for motorists to move to and from these two major roadways and will improve access to nearby stores and businesses.
As part of the project, turning lanes on Route 312 – which is also known as Dykeman Road – that lead to Interstate 84’s on-ramps will be lengthened and given less abrupt transitions to improve conditions for motorists. New, coordinated traffic signals will also be added to optimize the flow of traffic through the entire interchange. Traffic signals at the ramp leading to eastbound Interstate 84 will also include retroreflective back plates to better stand out from the area’s backdrop and improve visibility to motorists.
Additional enhancements include new signage and pavement markings to better advise motorists. Route 312 and a portion of the I-84 Eastbound on-ramp will also be repaved as part of the project.
Consistent with Governor Cuomo’s Drivers First initiative, the project was designed to minimize impacts to traffic with major lane closures expected to occur predominantly in the overnight hours, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., on weekdays. Motorists may, however, still experience brief daytime lane closures or traffic shifts while work is underway. Traffic will be maintained in the area without the use of a detour. All work is expected to be completed by this fall.
Senator Peter Harckham said, “I want to thank the NYS Department of Transportation for recognizing the traffic situation at the interchange between I 84 and Route 312 in Putnam County and taking action to correct it. Once the upgrades have been completed, Southeast residents and commuters will have a much safer and expedited traffic flow and local businesses will benefit from the improved driving conditions and repaving.”
Assemblyman Kevin Byrne said, “I welcome the announcement of this state project to provide these important upgrades in Putnam County. This project targets one of Putnam County’s busiest commercial areas, and will help alleviate traffic for residents and commuters who travel to and from one of our largest shopping centers as well as a key access point to mass transit, the Southeast Train Station.”
Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell said, “This project will allow for a much smoother commute to I-84 from Southeast. The longer turning lanes, new traffic lights and other additions will be a great improvement.”
Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in work zones. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver’s license.
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