Funke Pushes to Deliver Traffic Signal at Busy Penfield Intersection

New signal would ease congestion and ensure safe access from Route 250 to Eastside Family YMCA, Wickham Farms

Senator Rich Funke today announced he is working to deliver a new traffic signal at the intersection of Route 250 and the shared-use entrance to the Eastside Family YMCA and Wickham Farms in the Town of Penfield. Construction of the signal is jointly supported by the YMCA of Greater Rochester, the Town of Penfield, and Wickham Farms. The project would be funded through the New York State Dormitory Authority (DASNY) and the YMCA is currently interfacing with DASNY to provide the necessary information and documentation. 

“Route 250 connects some of our fastest growing communities, and with the Eastside Y and Wickham Farms drawing visitors from far and wide, this stretch is especially busy,” said Funke. “I worked with local partners to make this intersection a priority in the State Budget process and we were ultimately able to identify funding to support a new traffic signal here. I thank Supervisor LaFountain, YMCA President Romell, and Bill Wickham for their help, and I look forward to seeing the project advance through the process at the appropriate State agencies.”

NYSDOT defines Route 250 as a major north-south arterial road that plays a unique role in serving the travel needs of the communities it links in the 55th Senate District, including Penfield, Perinton, Fairport, and Victor. According to NYSDOT data, traffic on Route 250 between Whelan Road and Route 286 averaged approximately 7,500 vehicles per day in 2009. 

“We are delighted to once again partner with Senator Funke to address an important safety issue for the Penfield community,” said Town of Penfield Supervisor Tony Lafountain. “This traffic signal will benefit all who travel along this major corridor.”

The success and growth of the Eastside YMCA – including an ongoing expansion project to add a Sports Performance Center, Older Adult Resource Room, and UR Medicine Family Medical and Wellness practice to the existing facility – continues to test the capacity of Route 250 in Penfield. The Eastside YMCA serves an average of approximately 2,400 people per day, with an increase in the winter and summer months. A recent NYSDOT traffic study found a new signal would be necessary to ensure continued safe access to the expanded Eastside YMCA.

“The safety of our members and the community is the utmost priority for the YMCA of Greater Rochester,” said George Romell, YMCA of Greater Rochester President & CEO. “With the recent expansion at our Eastside Family Branch, a traffic light is necessary to safeguard the wellbeing of those traveling Route 250 and others entering and exiting the facility. We are grateful to Senator Funke for his work to deliver this funding, and thank Supervisor LaFountain for his continued support of this project.”

Traffic at the intersection is further impacted by customers and families visiting Wickham Farms, which shares an entrance with the Eastside YMCA. Thousands of area residents frequent Wickham Farms every year to shop for fresh produce and enjoy the farm’s corn maze, visit the petting-zoo, or enjoy other family-friendly entertainment.

'With the continued growth and success of both the YMCA and Wickham Farms, navigating on and off of Route 250 has become a real concern,” said Bill Wickham, owner of Wickham Farms. “Turning left onto Route 250, in particular, is difficult for our customers, not to mention for us when we are driving tractors! We sincerely appreciate Senator Funke helping to ensure the safety of his local constituents.”

Funding has been identified for the project via the New York State Dormitory Authority through the 2015-16 State Budget and it will now advance through the review process at the appropriate State agencies. No timetable has been set for construction.

Video Link: https://youtu.be/ovuCmT3XDK0