BILL NUMBER: S8795

SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act in relation to ordering a study and report on improvements of
State Route 9A in the towns of Ossining and Mount Pleasant; and provid-
ing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF THE BILL:

To authorize the Department of Transportation to conduct a study
pertaining to proposed improvements of State Route 9A in the towns of
Ossining and Mount Pleasant

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section one of the bill authorizes the Department of Transportation to
conduct a study on proposed improvements of State Route 9A in the towns
of Ossining and Mount Pleasant; this study includes, but is not limited
to, guardrail installation, underpass renovations, and the fiscal,
              

logistical, and environmental impact of such improvements.

Section one of the bill also requires the Department of Transportation
to report their findings to the governor and legislature within one
year.

Section two of the bill sets the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Route 9A is a frequently traveled, essential roadway for localities
across the counties of Rockland and Westchester. Heavily trafficked
sections of Route9A, such as the stretch between Briarcliff and Ossin-
ing, see more than 40,000 vehicles every day. Unfortunately, accidents
are exceedingly common along this stretch; 120 accidents occurred in
2018, or one every three days.

These accidents are primarily the result of outdated, unsafe infrastruc-
ture that is nearly ninety years old. The dated infrastructure is ill-e-
quipped to accommodate large commercial vehicles, with narrow shoulders,
low-clearance underpasses, and general design deficiencies which pose a
significant risk to motorists.

This bill will prompt the Department of Transportation to study, at
minimum, the costs of new guardrail installations, underpass reno-
vations, and the impact of such improvements on local traffic patterns
and the environment. This bill will also require the Department of
Transportation to report their findings to the Governor and the legisla-
ture.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Legislation.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

Minimal.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.