Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced $75.6 million in federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funding for 33 projects that will enhance mobility and safety on roadways across the state. Projects for this highway safety funding are selected through a competitive process designed to support initiatives that have the greatest ability to reduce traffic fatalities and severe injuries.

“Strengthening vital infrastructure across the State is critically important to ensuring the safety of our communities, both today and for future generations,” Governor Cuomo said. “With these projects we are providing modern safety improvements that benefit everyone on the road, from drivers to bicyclists and pedestrians. Working alongside our partners in the federal government, our administration will continue to upgrade essential transportation networks in every corner of the State in order to make our communities safer for all.”

Federal funding was made available to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), which administers the Highway Safety Improvement Program. Information on the Highway Safety Improvement program is available on the NYSDOT web site at https://www.dot.ny.gov/safety.

NYSDOT Commissioner Joan McDonald said, “These projects will enable the New York State Department of Transportation and localities to make a wide variety of highway safety improvements, enhancing bicycle and pedestrian safety, encouraging drivers to stay in their lanes, and making it easier for everyone to navigate busy intersections. Safety is our top priority at DOT and through this program and others we are able to continuously improve safety for travelers across New York.”

The following is a list of project awards by region:

Capital Region:

· $5 million for a NYSDOT project to reconstruct NY Route 146 between Howell Street and Careleon Road in the town of Rotterdam, Schenectady County, and install a paved median to create a refuge for turning vehicles. The work will improve traffic safety along the corridor.

Mohawk Valley:

· $7.8 million for a NYSDOT project to modernize a 0.7 mile segment of Route 5S in the City of Utica, Oneida County. The improvements will calm traffic by reducing travel lanes and pavement area, reducing vehicular crashes, replacing antiquated traffic signals, reconfiguring expansive and restrictive intersections and enhancing pedestrian safety.

· $1 million for a NYSDOT project to reconfigure Route 30A at its intersection with Route 29-Harrison Avenue in the City of Johnstown, Fulton County, to improve mobility in this commercial area. The intersection will be expanded from three lanes with wide shoulders to five lanes. The open drainage system there will be converted to a curbed/closed drainage system. Sidewalks will be installed on both sides of the highway, greatly improving pedestrian access and mobility. Two traffic signal systems also will also be reconstructed.

Central New York:

· $2.4 million for a NYSDOT project to widen Route 5 between Chamberlin Road and Sunview Drive in the town of Elbridge, Onondaga County, and install left turn lanes to aid in turning and reducing vehicular crashes.

· $922,500 for a NYSDOT project to enhance pedestrian safety by installing sidewalks along the western side of Route 11 in Cicero, Onondaga County, beginning just south of Bear Road and terminating approximately 300 feet north of Caughdenoy Road. Crosswalks and signage will be installed at side streets where appropriate.

· $378,000 for a NYSDOT project to resurface the N.Y. Route 481 southbound off ramp to I-81 southbound in the North Syracuse, Onondaga County, and the Route 481 southbound on ramp from the Thruway (I-90) in the East Syracuse, Onondaga County. The resurfacing will enhance the friction of the roadway surface, helping to decrease skidding.

· $90,000 for a NYSDOT project to install rumble strips, or Milled-In Audible Roadway Delineators (MIARDS), on sections of I-81 and I-690 that currently do not have them. The safety improvements will be made in the City of Syracuse and the towns of Dewitt and Salina, all in Onondaga County. Rumble strips have been proven to reduce run-off-the-road vehicle crashes.

· $257,000 for a Tompkins County project to enhance pedestrian safety at two intersections in the town of Ithaca on Pine Tree Road. A new pedestrian crossing signal will be added to assist pedestrians crossing Pine Tree Road between Rite Aid Pharmacy and the East Hill Plaza. Approximately 425 feet of a bicycle/pedestrian trail just south of Eillis Hollow Road will be relocated to a signalized intersection, adding a pedestrian crossing signal there and eliminating a mid-block crossing on East Hollow Road.

· $1.4 million for a Tompkins County project to improve Coddington Road in the town of Ithaca by reconstructing intersections and approaches to widen lanes and shoulders, and remove obstructions along the roadside.

Finger Lakes:

· $706,500 for a NYSDOT project to improve traffic safety on State Route 252, Jefferson Road, at its intersection with John Street/Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Road in the towns of Brighton and Henrietta. Jefferson Road will be unchanged, but John Street will go from two lanes northbound with shared left- and right-turn lanes to a single north-bound lane with dedicated left and right turn lanes. Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Road will change from two lanes southbound with shared left and right turn lanes to a single southbound lane with dedicated left and right turn lanes. The Jefferson Road traffic signal will be upgraded to allow a flashing yellow arrow configuration at the Jefferson Road left turn lanes.

· $250,000 for a NYSDOT project to enhance highway signage and pavement markings at select highway entrance ramps in Monroe County to discourage wrong-way driving crashes.

· $250,000 for a NYSDOT project to install Center Line Audible Roadway Delineators (CARDS) along 60 miles of highway in Livingston, Ontario, Wayne and Monroe counties to restore pavement markings, enhance visibility and retroreflectivity, and reduce cross-over vehicle crashes.

· $7.6 million for a NYSDOT project to improve Route 531 where it intersects with Routes 36 and 31 in the towns of Ogden and Sweden, Monroe County. Traffic calming features will be added to slow traffic such as chicanes, raised medians, left hand turn lanes and acceleration lanes. This will reduce speeds and provide a transition from the high-speed expressway to the rural, two-lane section of the roadway. Pedestrian safety improvements include new sidewalks, countdown timers and 8-foot wide shoulders to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Western New York

· $720,000 for a NYSDOT project to upgrade the intersection of U.S. Route 20 and N.Y. Route 60 in Fredonia, Chautauqua County. The intersection will be reconstructed to improve safety and traffic flow. New lighting and sidewalks also will be installed.

North Country

· $2.6 million for a NYSDOT project to improve safety at the intersection of N.Y. Route 37 and Frogtown Road in the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation, Franklin County. The project will add a dedicated right turn lane for eastbound Route 37 traffic turning onto Frogtown Road and a dedicated left turn lane for westbound Route 37 traffic turning onto Frogtown Road. These dedicated turn lanes will segregate turning traffic from the through traffic stream, reducing rear-end vehicle crashes at this intersection.

Hudson Valley

· $2 million for a NYSDOT project to realign the intersection of State Routes 172 and 117 in Mount Kisco, Westchester County, and add pedestrian signals and facilities at all four crosswalks.

· $2 million for a NYSDOT project to improve pedestrian crossings at 235 locations in the Hudson Valley, installing pedestrian countdown timers at traffic signals that have crosswalks and/or pedestrian crossing phases.

· $2 million for a NYSDOT project to improve safety along the Route 302 corridor in the town of Crawford, Orange County. The project will resurface the roadway, install center-line rumble strips (CARDS) and new pavement markings, guiderails, signs and improved culverts.

Southern Tier

· $220,000 for a NYSDOT project to smooth the flow of traffic at the intersection of North and Main streets in the Village of Owego, Tioga County. The project will eliminate the conflict points associated with tight turns for vehicles by diverting southbound trucks one block west onto Central Avenue.

· $3.4 million for a NYSDOT project to improve safety along Route 8 in the towns of Norwich, New Berlin and Columbus, Chenango County, by flattening curves, widening shoulders and improving sight distance. In addition, high-friction surface treatments will be installed on downgrades.

Long Island

· $2.5 million to enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety on Austin Boulevard in Island Park, Nassau County. The project will improve the roadway geometry with bulbouts – curb extensions to help calm traffic – and traffic channelization. It also will make traffic signal and sight distance improvements.

· $3.2 million for a NYSDOT project to make operational and pedestrian safety improvements on State Route 110 in the Village of Amityville and the towns of Babylon and Huntington in Suffolk County. The project calls for widening crosswalks and installing 25 additional crosswalks that comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards. The crosswalks will feature pedestrian countdown timers, new traffic signals and pedestrian refuges. In addition, Intelligent Transportation Systems equipment will be installed to facilitate traffic management operations.

· $800,000 for a NYSDOT project to make pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection of N.Y. routes 25 and 112 in the town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County. The project calls for installing sidewalks and two new crosswalks that meet ADA standards. Three traffic signals will be rebuilt and a new traffic signal installed. In addition, two new raised pedestrian islands and a left turn lane will be installed. This project also includes improvements to five locations along the Route 25 corridor and one location on Route 112. The improvements include new sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian countdown timers, new traffic signals, and two raised pedestrian islands. The project also includes a new left turn lane at Route 25 and Pauls Path.

· $5.1 million for a NYSDOT project to improve safety at the intersection of N.Y. Route 112 and Horseblock Road (County Route 16) in Brookhaven, Suffolk County. The project will widen all approaches to the signalized intersection, add right turn lanes in all directions, reconstruct the traffic signal, add ADA-compliant crosswalks with countdown timers at all four corners, and construct pedestrian refuge islands.

New York City

· $4 million for a Borough of Brooklyn project to improve the safety of Atlantic Avenue between Georgia Avenue and Conduit Boulevard. Improvements include the construction of median tip extensions at seven intersections to create pedestrian refuges, as well as raised medians. Operational improvements will include bans on vehicular turns, changes in the direction of traffic, and the addition of trees to calm traffic speeds.

· $900,000 for a New York City project to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety on Bruckner Boulevard between Bronx River Avenue and East 132^nd Street in the Bronx by establishing a north/south pedestrian and bicycle corridor.

· $800,000 for a New York City project to enhance safety on East Tremont Avenue in Bronx County. Improvements will include shortening crossing distances by widening and installing pedestrian islands, clarifying traffic patterns at complex intersections, studying signal timing for potential phasing changes and new signals, and installing traffic calming markings by narrowing the wide moving lanes and adding center buffer marking along the corridor.

· $4 million for the third phase of a New York City project to improve safety on the Grand Concourse between East 171^st Street and East 175^th Street in the Bronx. The project will resurface main roads and extensively reconstruct service roads and medians. It also will add a series of medians and other enhancements, including raised medians, pedestrian refuges, bicycle lane buffers and bollards.

· $4 million for a New York City project to enhance pedestrian safety on 4^th Avenue from 33rd to 47th Streets in Brooklyn by widening traffic medians, creating up to 19-foot wide, planted medians with pedestrian refuges.

· $4 million for a New York City project to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety on Tillary and Adams Streets in Brooklyn. Improvements include bike lanes on Tillary and Adams Streets, expansion of medians to full pedestrian islands, geometric changes that provide a dedicated north-south pedestrian crossing off Tillary, a protected off-road two-way path on Tillary from Clinton to Jay street and shortened crosswalks. In addition, the project calls for realigning the center median of Tillary Street and standardizing roadway widths and lane designations.

· $1 million for a New York City project to enhance pedestrian safety by installing median tip extensions to create pedestrian refuges on Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard from West 117^th Street to West 110^th Street. The roadway was redesigned and improved using temporary materials to widen and extend substandard pre-existing concrete medians. This project will construct standard median tips using permanent materials.

· $500,000 for a New York City project to enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety along Riverside Drive between West 11^6th Street and West 13^5th Street. The project will provide sidewalk access and crosswalks at various locations throughout the corridor. Normalizing curb treatment at 116th and Riverside is included, as well as adding pedestrian refuge islands. Curb extensions and bicycle markings round out the project.

· $2 million for a NYSDOT project to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety along 4.3 miles of the Ocean Parkway corridor in Brooklyn by installing new traffic signals and pedestrian countdown signals, modifying signal timing, installing pedestrian refugee islands, prohibiting left turns at some intersections, upgrading curb ramps to meet ADA standards and upgrading signs and pavement markings.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Investing in transportation infrastructure is one of the fastest, most effective ways to boost our local economy, keep our roads and highways safe, and create jobs. These important federal investments will help ensure that our communities have safer streets that protect our children, seniors, and pedestrians.”

Congressman Charlie B. Rangel said, “The $79.3 million secured through the federal Highway Safety funding for 37 projects throughout New York State will have an immediate positive impact on the quality of highway safety for pedestrians and motorists, and create jobs. I’m very pleased to join Governor Cuomo and Mayor De Blasio’s Vision Zero initiative to reduce potential vehicular and pedestrian fatalities and injuries. The installation of median tip extensions to create pedestrian refuges along our famous Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd from West 117th Street to West 110th Street will aesthetically enhance and improve the quality of life and safety for Central Harlem residents, as well as for those traveling and passing through.”

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter said, “The reason I fight for federal investments in Monroe County’s road safety is to help save lives, support jobs in the construction sector, and enhance our region’s economy. We have made significant improvements in New York’s road safety, cutting motor vehicle fatalities in half from 1990-2009, but we can never do enough to keep our neighbors safe on the roads.”

Congressman Eliot L. Engel said, “We cannot take safety for granted. Updating our aging infrastructure should include initiatives that reduce traffic accidents and fatalities. Almost every day, we read about some sort of tragedy involving people just trying to cross the street. The New York State Department of Transportation recognizes the ongoing need for safer roadways, for both pedestrians and motorists alike. I am pleased that roadways in portions of my district have been selected to receive pedestrian countdown timers. Measures that enhance pedestrian safety also create safer driving conditions for motorists.”

Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey said, “The Lower Hudson Valley is a crossroads of commerce, and we need to ensure that all travelers — no matter their means of transportation — can get to their destinations safely throughout our community. These federal funds will support safety enhancements for pedestrians and drivers alike so that they can better share the road when approaching busy intersections. I will continue to work hard in Congress to bring home more commonsense infrastructure investments to New York.”

Congressman José E. Serrano said, “I am pleased that Governor Cuomo is using New York’s federal funds to ensure safety on the streets of the Bronx. These projects build on some that we had been working on over the years, and will contribute to a much safer experience for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles alike.”

Congressman Jerry Nadler said, “Today’s announcement of safety improvements to enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety along Riverside Drive between West 116th Street and West 135th Street will make our city safer. New Yorkers should not have to risk their lives when crossing the street or riding their bicycles. Even with busy intersections, safety must be our top priority when improving New York City’s transportation infrastructure. These projects will improve the lives of regular New Yorkers, with safer streets leading to a better New York for all.”

Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez said, “Whether on foot, by bike or in a car, these enhancements will make commuting safer for all Brooklyn residents, while promoting environmentally friendly modes of transportation. I am pleased to see federal resources dedicated to these valuable projects.”

Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy said, “Improving safety on Austin Boulevard has been a priority for Island Park and Nassau County. I am pleased that these federal funds will be used to protect both pedestrian and motorists. Reducing hazards and reducing deaths and injuries is always a worthwhile effort and these funds are being put to good use.”

Congressman Joe Crowley said, “Funding for projects like these demonstrate the type of commitment we need if we are serious about making our streets safer for all New Yorkers. I thank Governor Cuomo for his steadfast support of our shared effort to reduce road fatalities in our local communities and I look to forward to our ongoing collaboration to ensure we are doing everything we can to stem the hazardous conditions that are claiming so many lives.”

Congressman Steve Israel said, “Improving the safety of our roads for all who use them, including drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists, will go a long way toward making our communities more livable. I’ve fought hard to secure federal funding for this purpose, and I’m pleased that Huntington will be able to make targeted safety improvements on Route 110 as a result.”

Congressman Tim Bishop said, “The safety of everyone who utilizes our roadways, whether in a motor vehicle, on foot or on a bicycle, is something we must always work to improve. I am glad the federal government is able to assist New York State in making much-needed upgrades to two busy intersections on Long Island. I applaud Governor Cuomo for identifying and undertaking these projects.”

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke said, “These improvements to Ocean Parkway will permit the families and children of Brooklyn to travel from Coney Island to Prospect Park, and the many destinations in between, in safety. The recent increase in pedestrian and cyclist fatalities requires our attention. By introducing these safety features to Ocean Parkway, I believe we will provide motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians with a better, and much more safe, experience.”

Congressman Paul Tonko said, “I am pleased to see this project get underway and begin to aid all that use the road. Improving our aging infrastructure in the Capital Region is critical to enhancing public safety, attracting new business and creating quality jobs. My thanks go out to Governor Cuomo for identifying and acting upon critical transportation needs in our communities as well as throughout the entire state of New York. In Congress, I will continue to fight for major federal investment in our nation’s infrastructure in the form of a new, long-term transportation bill.”

Congressman Bill Owens said, “This funding will support local business and help to create additional jobs in these communities. I encourage continued infrastructure investments in the region.”

Congressman Tom Reed said, “Safe, reliable transportation infrastructure is critical to jobs in our area and a fair investment for the taxpayers whose dollars are going to care for our local roads. We have made local infrastructure improvements a priority in our office by hosting regular meetings with local highway officials and infrastructure experts – listening to their needs on the ground and working with them to make projects cost effective. Our aging rural roads and bridges cannot be overlooked and we will continue to work with Governor Cuomo to make improvements a reality for the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes.”

Congressman Chris Gibson said, “These safety improvements will not only protect pedestrians, they will make our communities more walkable, bringing new economic activity, calming traffic, and generally improving the quality of life. I want to thank Governor Cuomo and my colleagues in the New York Congressional Delegation for supporting these sound investments in transportation infrastructure. I will continue to advocate for changes to the Highway Safety Improvement Program that support local efforts to safeguard pedestrians and bicyclists. At the Federal level, we can and must do more to make our roads safe and accessible.”

Congressman Michael Grimm said, “As our City rises to meet the challenges of a growing population, it’s essential that we ensure that New York remains a place that is safe to commute and travel. Leveraging these funds for crucial roadway improvements, particularly high-traffic areas like Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn, proves that we can build both a modern and secure infrastructure system for our City. I thank my colleagues in the New York Congressional Delegation and Governor Cuomo for their partnership in delivering these improvements for the hardworking people we represent.”

Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney said, “These investments in our infrastructure across the Hudson Valley will make our sidewalks and streets safer for my neighbors while creating jobs and growing our local economy. Route 302 has been the site of too many accidents, and for years resident and local officials have called for safety improvements – working together, we’re finally making the necessary safety improvement to protect students and families.”