There's controversy in the town of Brewerton and believe it or not it all centers around one intersection. In the past five years, there have 13 serious accidents and two fatalities at the intersection of Mudd Mill Road and Rt. 11. The most recent accident left a 15-year-old girl in critical condition just last week. And some area residents say they just want it all to end.
“It’s a really big problem that causes at least two big accidents twice a year. It usually affects the kids at school, you know. They don’t want to do work because they’re upset their friend just got into an accident,” said Callie Loomis, owner of DG’s Restaurant.
“Over the years, I’ve seen some bad stuff like fender benders but people do get shook up. Something needs to be done,” said resident Suzy Krenick.
Accidents have gotten so bad on Route 11 and Mud Mill Road that for an outsider it’s hard to know where this intersection is. That’s because after the most recent accident the sign, which says “Mud Mill Road”, is left lying on the ground.
Many say the junction’s signals are to blame. Residents want to see a three-light traffic signal put there and as a result have sent many requests to the New York State Department of Transportation. But while those requests have been approved, the state still says that it will take at least a year for a new one to be put in.“Before that signal can be installed, there’s a lot of work that needs to be done,” explained Michelle Clark from the New York State Department of Transportation.
That work includes surveying the intersection and coming up with a new design for the future lights. But its building the base of the new signal that will take the most time.
“One of the largest parts of the process is waiting for those poles to be manufactured and delivered. Unfortunately this is a process that needs to be followed and it’s going to take a little bit of time,” Clark said.
But it’s time that some say the area can't afford to give.
No comments:
Post a Comment