New York State DOT Completes Intersection Improvement Featuring First-In-State Design

VOLNEY – New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul Karas today October 31) announced the completion of a $1.9 million intersection modernization in the town of Volney, featuring a design that is the first of its kind in New York State.

The innovative Restricted Crossing U-Turn intersection at State Route 481 and County Route 45 enhances safety and eases traffic flow at the busy crossroads.

The intersection improvements will also greatly benefit The Manor at Seneca Hill, a nearby nursing home and assisted living facility, as most visitors and staff use the intersection of Route 481 and Route 45 for easy, direct access.

“Safety is our top priority and the innovative approach taken at routes 481 and 45 in Oswego County is an example of the state’s progressive thinking when it comes to public safety and roadway improvements,” Karas said. “Governor Cuomo is making smart investments in transportation infrastructure across New York State and the modern new intersection in Volney will keep traffic moving, supporting the Central New York economy so that it continues to rise.”

The intersection design enhances safety and traffic operations by changing how minor road traffic crosses or turns left at a major road.

At a Restrictive Crossing U-Turn, which is considered a legal U-Turn, drivers stopped at the minor road waiting to cross or turn left no longer navigate a complex intersection of two directions of traffic, often traveling at high speeds.

Instead, all minor road traffic makes a right turn followed by a U-turn at a designated location.

This type of intersection reduces the number of potential vehicle conflicts, but does not change any of the movements that are possible from the major road.

The change significantly reduces the risk of right-angle crashes at the intersection.

Prior to the redesign, crossing the six-lanes of Route 481 was difficult because of limited sight distance, high speeds and a wide center median.

The new intersection features two U-turns newly constructed in the median of Route 481, one just north of the intersection with Route 45 and one just south of the intersection.

All traffic on Route 45 is now required to turn right at the intersection with Route 481 with the following options:

? Traffic heading east on Route 45 will be directed to turn right onto Route 481 southbound. Motorists can then proceed southbound on Route 481 or use the U-turn to access Route 481 northbound. They can then head north or take a right turn onto Route 45 to continue heading east.

? Traffic heading west on Route 45 will be directed to turn right onto Route 481 northbound. Motorists can then proceed northbound or use the U-turn to access Route 481 southbound. They can then head south or take a right turn onto Route 45 to continue heading west.

Assemblyman Will Barclay said, “The new configuration of this intersection on 481 addresses long-time safety concerns. I am glad the DOT made this section of 481 in Volney a priority this year and happy to see it is completed before winter. The work will be a benefit to motorists for years to come. “

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Today’s announcement complements “Central NY Rising,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development.

The state has already invested more than $5.6 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy.

Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Syracuse, Oswego and Auburn as a destination to grow and invest in.

Now, the region is accelerating Central NY Rising with a $500 million state investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015.

The state’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 5,900 new jobs.