HomeMy WebLinkAboutTraffic Signal Rt 25 at New Suffolk AveCRAIG SlRACUSA,
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
September 11, 2001
Honorable Jean W. Cochran
Supervisor, Town of Southold
Town Hall, 53095 Route 25
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971-0959
2001
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ,
VETERANS MEMORIAL HIGHWAY ~A~ ~ ~
HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. 11788
Traffic Sisal ~'
Route 25 at New Suffo~ Avenue OCT172001 '
Dear Ms. Cochran:
Cutchogue
Our Case No. 019407TC
Planninlt Board
We have completed our investigation regarding the traffic signal at the subject location. Our
investigation included an accident analysis and field observations of the area.
Our accident analysis reviewed the most current three years of data available from the
Department of Motor Vehicles. Our analysis did not show a pattem of accidents that would be
correctable by a change in the traffic control devices. We also reviewed the original "Police
Accident Report" for the unfortunate fatal incident that occurred at Griffing Street. First, let me
say that we are saddened by this tragic accident; however, this accident was caused by a factor
that a change in traffic control devices would not have prevented. This report states that the
motor vehicle that caused the accident did not stop for the "Stop" control on Griffing Street.
This accident was the only accident involving vehicles exiting Griffing Street during our study
period.
Our field observations showed that the traffic signal at New Suffolk Avenue is equipped with a
left turn arrow for westbound Route 25 to New Suffolk Road, a marked crosswalk with
pedestrian indications as well as a "No U-Turn" restriction for Route 25 and the appropriate
parking restrictions. These traffic control measures are operating properly and are in good
condition at this time.
The traffic signal at New Suffolk Avenue is in excess of 200 feet from Griffing Street and should
not be used by motorists on Griffing Street to determine if it is safe to enter Route 25. Griffing
Street is controlled by a stop sign which means motorists must stop and make sure Route 25 is
clear before entering the highway. Furthermore, the traffic signal at New Suffolk Avenue
provides gaps in traffic for motorists entering Route 25 from Griffing Street. This signal
operation is used extensively throughout Long Island. It is the responsibility of the driver to make
sure there is an adequate gap in trtiffic before entering the highway. However, we will add visors
to the eastbound signal display so the motorists exiting Griffing Street will not be able to
Honorable Jean W. Cochran
September 11, 2001
Page 2
see the signal display and will make their decision to exit based on available gaps in oncoming
traffic.
Thank you for your interest in this traffic safety matter.
Very truly yours,
THOMAS F. OELERICH, P.E.
Regional Traffic Engineer
TFO:JS:JS