HOPEWELL JUNCTION – Local leaders, local law enforcement, school officials and concerned families gathered outside John Jay High School in Hopewell Junction recently, to unveil an improved crosswalk and pedestrian signal across Rt. 52 that will greatly advance safety for students and community members.
East Fishkill Town Board Member Tom Franco, who was instrumental in getting the project off the ground said, “The day after the terrible accident in which a student was struck by a vehicle, I got together with Town Supervisor John Hickman and we recognized the immediate danger the area posed and we wanted to rectify it immediately. We knew just who to call to get things done, Senator Sue Serino.”
Senator Sue Serino, who’s office worked closely with New York State’s Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), said, “Student safety needs to be our number one priority at all times. I am so impressed by the initiative that this local community took to get the ball rolling on this long overdue project and I thank the DOT for their swift response. Its completion is a great example of what can get done when people come together, as partners, to deliver results for our students and our community.”
Residents of the area began raising safety concerns at a Town Board meeting in October of 2015 after a John Jay High School Student was struck by a vehicle in the area. As a result, East Fishkill Town Supervisor John Hickman sent a letter to the NYSDOT requesting that they look into these concerns and begin to work toward a solution.
A formal investigation by the NYSDOT was officially completed in early November and the agency promptly began work to improve safety at the sight.
According to the NYSDOT, the scope of the work included:
Installation of pedestrian signals on both sides of Route 52
Eliminating pedestrian/vehicle conflict by operating the pedestrian signals during the westbound left-turn/northbound right-turn overlap
Repaired the sidewalk ramp on the school side
Refreshed the crosswalk and stop bar on Route 52
Removed the eastbound right turn slip ramp style pavement markings
Removed the existing Yield sign on the right turn into school driveway
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