Murphy Announces $2 Million For Improvements to Route 6

MAHOPAC, NY - New York State Senator Terrence Murphy today announced that work will soon begin on a $2 million project to make improvements at two intersections on U.S. Route 6 in the towns of Somers, in Westchester County, and Carmel, in Putnam County.

New York State Senator Terrence Murphy said, "Local roads matter. The Route 6 corridor is a crucial transportation artery not only within the 40th Senate District, but the entire Hudson Valley region. Today's announcement of $2 million in new infrastructure funding will create local construction jobs and also support needed safety improvements, such as new signals and turning lanes at two of the busiest intersections, that will help ensure commuters get home safely."

The intersections to be addressed are where Route 6 meets State Route 118 in Somers and where Route 6 meets Union Valley Road in Carmel. The project will include widening and realigning Route 6 at both intersections and building turning lanes in order to make traffic flow better and reduce delays. New and modified signals will be installed at both intersections, as well as new pavement markings and curbs. Route 118 intersection will receive a new crosswalk and ADA-compliant ramps. Minor drainage improvements will also be made.

Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew Driscoll said, "This Route 6 intersection project is one of many to upgrade our aging infrastructure, which follow's Governor Cuomo's vision to create jobs and boost local economies by investing in New York State's transportation network. Making these intersection improvements will enhance traffic safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists, and will enrich the quality of life for the community."

Representative Sean Patrick Maloney said, "Folks in the Hudson Valley know firsthand the importance of having safe, dependable roads - all of us see it every day on the way to work or dropping our kids off at school. This investment in local infrastructure will not only repair and repave our roads, but it will make our communities in the Hudson Valley safer, while creating good paying jobs and growing our local economy."

New York State Assemblyman Steve Katz said, "The $2 million improvement project on Route 6 is essential to the community. Improving the infrastructure on Route 6 will create safer road conditions for all commuters and will enhance the local economy. This is an advancement that the district can truly benefit from."

Construction is anticipated to begin next week and is scheduled to be completed in December. The construction contractor for the project is ELQ Industries, Inc. of New Rochelle, Westchester County.

To minimize the impact of construction, access to businesses will be maintained throughout the project, pedestrian traffic will be maintained at all times, and most construction activities that require travel lance closures will be conducted during night time hours.

Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in suspension of an individual's driver's license.