Carlucci Demands Route 59 Work Now from NY DOT; Jaffee Calls for Work and Education

ROCKLAND, NY - Earlier today, Senator David Carlucci requested the New York State Department of Transportation expedite changes to Route 59 which were originally slated to start next summer. The horrific crash when a car hit a mother and three children Monday is proof that the work is needed sooner rather than later, he said.

In his letter to the DOT, Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester) explained, "The terrible tragedy that took place this week when a motorist drove onto the right shoulder of Route 59 in Monsey and struck a mother and three children demonstrated the urgency for improvements the State has already committed to."

The New York State Department of Transportation had committed to the following improvements along Route 59 that Carlucci is requesting to be expedited:

• 3000 feet of new sidewalks, some of which will be located where the accident happened.

• Improvements to existing sidewalks that have fallen under disrepair and will be brought up to code.

• The inclusion of curb cuts for strollers and wheel chairs.

• Synchronization of 42 streetlights from Suffern to Nyack, which will be adaptive to traffic conditions and help reduce congestion.

"With thoughtful consideration given to this recent accident, I respectfully request that the Department of Transportation prioritize and expedite this project with the intent on preventing any further accidents involving motorists and pedestrians," he said in the letter.

Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee also issued a statement:

It was distressing to learn there was another accident – the family struck while walking on Rte. 59. Pedestrian safety has been an on-going priority of mine as well as of New York State.

For the past few years, the state has undertaken a number of projects to respond to the issue of pedestrian safety in the Hudson Valley. Specifically in my district, the Department of Transportation has installed sidewalks on Route 306, installed bicycle safety signs on Rte. 9W, and conducted the Rte. 59 & 45 Pedestrian Safety study as well as the Lower Hudson Transit Link program, which includes Rte. 59. They are also addressing many other major roads throughout the county.

For many years I have supported the Community Outreach Center in Monsey and its specific projects addressing pedestrian and cyclist safety. The increasing frequency of these accidents is deeply concerning. Responding to the immediate safety of my constituents and their children will continue to be a priority. To reduce these accidents it is imperative that we increase our efforts to raise awareness, to educate both pedestrians and drivers, and to continue to invest in infrastructure, sidewalks and road-safety improvements.

SEE ALSO:

• Driver Jailed After Horrific Crash Injures Mother, Children
  
• Van Hits Mom, Kids on Route 59 [VIDEO]