PRESS RELEASE
January 14, 2008

Legislators Renew Request for Rt. 43 Review

Rensselaer County Legislators Stan Brownell and Lester Goodermote are renewing their request to have the state review a section of State Route 43 in West Stephentown following two accidents just before Christmas.

The request by the two legislators marks the third request the legislators have made for a state review of the roadway. A request was made in 2006 and one made several weeks ago following a series of accidents.

Following the second request, there were two more accidents on December 16. In both incidents, vehicles left the road, and in one case, there were injuries.

“We are worried because these accidents seem to happen in bunches, and on one day last month, there were two more incidents. This section of road needs to be reviewed by the state to ensure the safety of everyone.

Brownell and Goodermote have been concerned about the frequency of the accidents on the section of Route 43 and the fact that vehicles are leaving the road. Residents who live along the road have said they believe a new road surface has contributed to the number of accidents in 2006 and 2007.

The two legislators hope that by renewing their request early in 2008, state DOT will make the review a priority. Additionally, the amount of traffic increases during the winter with motorists traveling to nearby ski areas.

“This is a busy road, especially during the winter months. The state needs to see why these accidents are occurring in greater numbers and take steps to improve safety,” said Goodermote.

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