Politics & Government
Abinanti: Revamp the Parkway Ramps
Abinanti's request came in a letter to State DOT Commissioner Driscoll following a recent spate of wrong-way drivers on parkways
“The latest tragedy on a state parkway once again highlights the need for prompt, effective state action,” said Westchester Assemblyman Tom Abinanti (D-Greenburgh/Mt. Pleasant).
Abinanti is once again asking the New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner to form an independent review panel to determine which state parkway entrance/exit ramps should be reconfigured, where signs should be changed or added and what other traffic control devices must be installed.
Abinanti’s request came in a letter to newly appointed State DOT Commissioner Matt Driscoll following a recent spate of wrong-way drivers on parkways in the region. Just this past weekend, a driver entered the Taconic State Parkway in Carmel and drove in the wrong direction until fatally colliding with a 22 year-old motorcyclist.
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The ramp in the latest wrong-way crash is dual-direction accommodating both entering and exiting traffic. It has a single one-way sign at the intersection of the parkway and no arrow pavement markings (see picture below).
“Dual-direction parkway ramps with confusing configurations and inadequate signage are all over the state,” said Abinanti.
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Correspondence between Abinanti and the former State DOT Commissioner earlier this year indicated that on three parkways, including the Taconic State Parkway, State DOT has installed “wrong-way arrow pavement markings” and was planning a “sign enhancement initiative” along the ramps.
“Is this the best we can do?” asked Abinanti, rhetorically. “Is a single one-way sign really an upgrade? Driving on a parkway shouldn’t be a game of chance – not knowing if you will confront the next wrong-way driver.”
In addition to his DOT letter, Abinanti recently joined as a co-sponsor of Assemblyman Fred Thiele’s (D-Sag Harbor) legislation that requires State DOT to develop a program to address wrong-way drivers in New York State.
“Whether drivers are distracted, confused or impaired, we need to maximize state efforts to minimize the potential for wrong-way driving and save innocent lives,” said the Westchester Assemblyman. “It’s time to revamp the ramps.”
Picture of the intersection: http://imgur.com/GVgdyD7
