Temporary Light, Heading north on N. Main
If you live in and around the Village, you are well aware that work has begun on the State Street Bridge reconstruction project. The State Street bridge, a major route for those passing through the village, will be closed until July. Detours have been provided by NYSDOT to help guide traffic around the bridge and a temporary light at N. Main and Schoen Place has been placed to help manage traffic flow.
This is a highly used crossing for pedestrians and cyclists. It has long been identified as a trouble spot and is slated for some upgrades as part of NYSDOT’s Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. During high traffic times, drivers speed through here and it is a rare sighting to see drivers stop to let people cross. The additional load of traffic due to detours now makes it even dodgier. So many people who walk, bike and roll were happy to see the light in place, hoping it would finally give drivers a reason to stop for pedestrians. [See photo below to see how most drivers feel about stopping for pedestrians here.]
Current status: this intersection is now even more dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists. And it’s confusing for drivers. Before, there was no light and a “yield to pedestrians” sign in the middle of the crossing. You at least stood a chance of someone stopping to let you cross. The biggest issue is the increased number of drivers turning left from Schoen onto N. Main due to the detour, which is the only time pedestrians can also cross [see photo below]. There is no designated pedestrian right-of-way given. The light instructs drivers to stop or go, but provides no guidance for how to handle pedestrians that are crossing N. Main. There is no leading interval to let pedestrians cross before drivers have the right of way. And there is no pedestrian signal.
The Village has spoken with NYSDOT and a request for a pedestrian signal has not been given at this time. The Village is working on some other temporary solutions to offer those outside a vehicle a safe place to cross. We will keep you updated. In the meantime — no matter what mode of transportation you are using through this intersection — please be patient, mindful and cautious.