The Peru Gazette

The Peru Gazette posted this June 27, 2022, news release on July 4, 2022.

STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ANNOUNCES NORTH COUNTRY PROJECT TO IMPROVE ACCESS FOR PEDESTRIANS WITH DISABILITIES 

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced that work will soon begin on a $1 million project that will provide sidewalk accessibility improvements at 70 pedestrian crossings in Jefferson, St. Lawrence, and Clinton County.

 “Providing communities with compliant infrastructure reflects our commitment to a multi-modal, more accessible transportation network for all users,” said Commissioner Dominguez. “Projects like these allow everyone to enjoy and contribute to the richness of their communities using safe, accessible pedestrian facilities.”

The project will replace sidewalk ramps at intersections on State Highways in communities across Jefferson, St. Lawrence, and Clinton County. The new installations will provide ramps compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The breakdown of planned work thus far is as follows:

• 7 crossings along U.S. Route 11 in the hamlet of Mannsville in Jefferson County
• 15 crossings along State Route 970L in the Village of Clayton in Jefferson County
• 13 crossings along U.S. Route 11 and 11B in Potsdam and DeKalb in St. Lawrence County
• 13 crossings along State Route 9 in the hamlet of Chazy in Clinton County
• 21 crossings along State Routes 22B and 442 in the hamlet of Peru in Clinton County

Similar projects have been undertaken across New York State and continue to ensure that those with disabilities have safe and accessible pedestrian crossings on State Highways.

Through new projects and improvements to existing facilities, NYSDOT continues to address the ADA needs of its pedestrian network to provide safe, accessible facilities across the state. NYSDOT also looks for opportunities to fill existing gaps or enhance pedestrian access where appropriate.

State Senator Joseph A. Griffo said, “It is important that our sidewalks and crosswalks are accessible to everyone. This project will ensure that pedestrian crossings comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will improve accessibility in communities throughout the North Country.”

State Senator Patty Ritchie said, “As New York State continues to make enhancements to its transportation network, it is critically important that we improve access for pedestrians with disabilities. I applaud the New York State Department of Transportation for making these critical investments into sidewalk accessibility improvements at crossings throughout the region I represent. Doing so will help make travel both easier and safer for those with disabilities.”

State Senator Dan Stec said, “The new pedestrian crossings fulfill a crucial need and make our sidewalks more accessible. When this project is completed, it’ll help make our region safer and more inclusive to residents and visitors alike.”

Assemblymember Ken Blankenbush said, “I appreciate the State Department of Transportation for putting an emphasis on improving crossings in the North Country. By making sure the pedestrian crossings are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we are able to provide everyone, no matter their abilities, an accessible route, whether they are going to work, traveling or completing commerce.”

During the project, motorists in these communities can expect to encounter work zones with alternating two-way traffic controlled by flaggers. The $1 million project was awarded to Bothar Construction, Binghamton, New York.  The project is expected to be completed in late fall 2022.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone.  Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver’s license.