Funke: New Traffic Signal gets the Green Light at Busy Penfield Intersection

Senator Rich Funke today announced that the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has activated the new traffic signal at the intersection of Route 250 and the shared-used entrance to the Eastside YMCA and Wickham Farms in the Town of Penfield. Funke worked successfully to deliver funding to support the construction of and traffic engineering for the new signal in the 2015-16 State Budget. The signal will remain in "flashing yellow" status to prepare motorists to better navigate the intersection before switching to the traditional "stop-slow-go" tri-color functionality within the next two to three weeks.

"Penfield is a growing community, the Eastside Y is a growing branch, and Wickham Farms is a growing business, but sometimes great success like that can stretch the capacity of our local infrastructure," said Funke. "We want to reward those who are growing and succeeding right here in our area, which is why an investment like this is so important. Now that is has the green light, this new signal will improve traffic flow and safety on an important route in our District, and I thank Supervisor LaFountain, President Romell, and all involved for their partnership." 

The funding secured by Funke was administered by the New York State Dormitory Authority (DASNY), while construction of the signal was managed by NYSDOT. 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 the NYSDOT data, traffic on Route 250 between Whelan Road and Route 286 averages over 7,500 vehicles per day.

"With the recent activation of the traffic light at the Eastside Y and the four-way flashing yellow to alert motorists that the new tri-color signal light is coming soon, I have received many calls, e-mails and comments from residents about the positive safety impact it will have on our area", said Tony LaFountain, Supervisor of the Town of Penfield, "The Y, the Town of Penfield and those traversing through this area on a daily basis will benefit from the partnership with Senator Rich Funke, who is responsible for the funding of this key traffic safety improvement along this stretch of Route 250."

The success and growth of the Eastside YMCA- including an 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 NYSDOT traffic study found a new signal would be necessary to ensure continued safe access to the expanded Eastside YMCA.

"We are able to support the growing number of children, families and seniors in the Greater Rochester area, and have the opportunity to further strengthen the community and our mission," said George Romell, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Rochester. "While providing members with every advantage possible to grow in spirit, mind and body, we also value their safety in this high-traffic area, which is why we're happy to now have a light installed on the Eastside Family YMCA premises. We thank Senator Rich Funke for his help in this effort as we continue building a healthy and safe community."  

Construction of the new traffic light was completed in mid-January. Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) made the final connection to power the signal last week.