GENESEE COUNTY, N.Y. (WKBW) — The New York State Department of Transportation is scrapping plans to build a roundabout at the intersection of Route 77 and Ledge Road in the Town of Alabama.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley made the announcement Wednesday. Instead of a roundabout, the DOT will move forward with plans to add a blinking yellow light on Route 77 and a blinking red light on Ledge Road.
Hawley says the busy intersection is known to be very dangerous as it has become a gateway for tractor trailers and farm vehicles.
The Alabama Town Board recently passed a resolution opposing the construction of a roundabout for several reasons including cost, the need to build on private property and the likelihood accidents would continue.
"Although I am pleased that the state DOT deferred to the concerns of local citizens and the town board in this case, I hope and pray that all residents take the dangers surrounding this intersection seriously and heed all traffic signals and devices," Hawley said. "The proposed roundabout would have cost nearly $1.8 million in taxpayer money, whereas the new lights will cost less than $100,000 and be infinitely less intrusive to nearby residents' properties and daily commuters. The citizens of Alabama know what works best for their community and I will happily stand behind their decision."
