NYSDOT Answers Call For Route 8 Traffic Study

ONEONTA, 07/26/13 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today announced that the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has initiated a full study of traffic issues along New York State Route 8 in Chenango County approaching the Chobani plant. 

“With the success of Chobani, it stands to reason that truck traffic along State Route 8 near the plant has increased,” said Senator Seward.  “Moving forward it is vital that proper safety measures are implemented to ensure those who travel through the area reach their destination safe and sound.  NYSDOT is working toward that end result.”

Senator Seward recently sent a letter to Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald, calling for a full NYSDOT study to review traffic patterns, pinpoint trouble spots and develop a measured response plan.  In response Commissioner McDonald confirms that NYSDOT has initiated a study to identify short-tem, intermediate and long-range improvements for several sections along State Route 8 that have greater occurrences of truck and other accidents.

Commissioner McDonald also writes:

“NYSDOT has taken some immediate actions.  These include better warning signing along several horizontal curves and at intersections with sight limitations; improving a guiderail that was damaged during an accident; and including several segments of State Route 8 in a contract to install centerline rumble strips this summer.”

On June 25^th, Senator Seward joined representatives from the Otsego County and Chenango County planning departments, New York State Police, New York State Department of Transportation, and Chobani to discuss traffic issues along State Route 8.

“The meeting was enlightening and productive.  Now, with a number of parties working together and sharing information, and NYSDOT’s swift response, I am confident a comprehensive strategy that will result in a safer stretch of State Route 8 will be reached,” Seward concluded.

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