Seward Calls On NYSDOT To Expedite Cortland County Road Work

CORTLAND, 12/01/10 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) is calling on the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to complete reconstruction work of the route 281 and 13 corridor in the Town of Cortlandville on the original timetable.

“Delaying reconstruction of this important thoroughfare restricts traffic flow and threatens the safety of the traveling public,” said Senator Seward.  “The route 281 and 13 corridor is growing and further delays of this project will stifle desired development and inconvenience local business owners.”

Senator Seward recently sent a letter to the New York State Department of Transportation calling for an accelerated start date for phase two of the reconstruction project.  Seward says now that phase one of the project is complete, a long gap in completing phase two will exasperate traffic difficulties.

In the letter, Seward states: “The unfinished project has created a hazardous situation in that the newly reconstructed portion of the highway merges from a multi lane highway into a two lane highway.  This has led to unfortunate traffic bottlenecks, which is of particular concern for emergency vehicles transporting patients to and from nearby Cortland Regional Medical Center.”

NYSDOT has cited fiscal difficulties as the reason for postponing work from the scheduled 2011 start date to 2013.   The town board of the Town of Cortlandville recently adopted a resolution urging the state to adhere to the original schedule.

“While I fully understand the depth of New York’s economic difficulties,  I am greatly concerned that holding up this essential public safety project puts lives at risk.  I am hopeful that the DOT will reconsider and move forward on this project as soon as possible,” Seward concluded.

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