Word Of New Traffic Light Takes Town By Surprise

SOUTHOLD, NY — News of a traffic light proposed for Route 25 and Oaklawn Ave. in Southold took the town board by surprise.

At a town board work session two weeks ago, Southold Town Councilman Bill Ruland said town officials didn't know about the light; the transportation commission sent a memo about the proposed light, pitched by the New York State Department of Transportation; Ruland said Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell was "shocked" to hear about the plan.

The issues, Ruland said, center on the fact that there are two major intersections in that area, including another at Hortons Ln. and Rt. 25, and a light could cause even greater traffic woes — in addition, he said, a traffic control officer is stationed at the site during school hours to help students heading to the Southold school district, located on Oaklawn Ave.

"There are way more questions than answers," Ruland said.

At Tuesday's work session, the subject was once again discussed the proposed light.

Ruland said the matter had been put on the transportation commission's agenda in late Aug., but clarification was needed.

Russell said neither the town nor the school district had requested the light; he added that the NYSDOT had agreed to come and discuss the issue.

"I am unaware of any statistical basis to support a light there," Russell said in an email after the work session. "I do not see how it would improve traffic flow. As the public becomes more aware of it, opposition seems to be growing. That said, I will be meeting with reps from the NYSDOT to get that agency's perspective. I will listen with an open mind."

According to Stephen Canzoneri, spokesman for the NYSDOT, Region 10, Long Island: "Protecting public safety is always the top priority for the New York State Department of Transportation. This signal installation is part of a comprehensive program being implemented statewide to enhance safety for bicyclists and pedestrians."

Funded under the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, or PSAP, the NYSDOT is installing $7.5 million in pedestrian enhancements at 236 locations on Long Island, including new crosswalks; reflective pavement markings and signs; countdown timers; and attention-grabbing light beacons, he said.

"The location for this specific signal was identified locally and supported through a traffic analysis performed by NYSDOT. NYSDOT works cooperatively with local governments on such projects and we have reached out to officials in Southold to better understand their concerns," Canzoneri said.

Patch photo by Lisa Finn.