Mixed reviews for revamped Raymond Avenue Construction

Jenny Nigro Guest Writer

In the beginning of the fall semester, Raymond Avenue construction instigated much dissent within the campus and Poughkeepsie communities. Students complained of delays while crossing the street, noise from late-night construction and clogged inboxes from mass e-mails about the issue.

Many community members found problems with the project, as well. Residents were concerned that the roundabouts in front of Vassar College would cause drivers to seek other routes to avoid the slowed traffic. This, in turn, would divert cars into residential areas. Some community members addressed their concern by sending numerous editorials to The Poughkeepsie Journal.

Under Phase One, the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) oversaw the addition of two roundabouts and a median to the strip of Raymond Avenue that stretches between Hooker and College Avenues. They added trees to the median, and removed the stoplights in front of Vassar’s Main Gate and the Town House crosswalk.

As the DOT project’s lead engineer, Scott Geiger said that he formulated a plan to address the concerns of Poughkeepsie residents. “We measured traffic on Raymond and Grand Avenues in early May of last year and built counters into the newly-constructed road,” Geiger said. “In order to provide drivers with ample time to get used to the road, we are going to start measuring traffic passing through Raymond Avenue around the same time as last year. Then, we will compare pre-construction numbers to post-construction and release the information.”

The construction has also aimed to take Vassar students into account. Associate Executive Director of Buildings and Grounds Jeff Horst noted the new emphasis on pedestrian traffic. “The state has erected signs that explicitly illustrate that state law requires that pedestrians have the right of way.”

The overall design of the road has facilitated pedestrian traffic. “The system of two roundabouts seems to work very well,” Horst said. “Since there are no traffic signals, students only have to cross one lane to the median, and then one lane to get to the road.”

According to Horst, the substitution of roundabouts for stoplights has its perks and its setbacks. “Traffic moves slower, but does not get stopped,” he said.

There has been only one minor accident reported to date. The collision occurred on the morning of Jan. 24, but did not result in the injury of either party.

Although drivers originally voiced concern over the small diameter of the newly erected traffic circles, Horst said that those concerns have been resolved. Geiger also noted that with the conclusion of Phase One, there has been a tremendous decrease in negative reactions.

Evan Franzel ’09, however, complained that many factors have has complicated the use of the road for those riding on two wheels. “Seen in the type of storm drains, the bricks on the east side of the road, and the confusing roundabouts, the reconstruction of Raymond Ave ignored an important user of Raymond Avenue—the bicyclists,” he said. “The new Raymond Avenue is dangerous to ride on and the construction was a lost opportunity to encourage movement between the Town and the City of Poughkeepsie. The sidewalks are hazardous to ride on and endanger pedestrians as well as the bicyclists.”

According to Horst, the DOT did not make lanes out of necessity. “My understanding from the DOT is that there was not sufficient room to create bike paths,” he said. Geiger could not be reached for additional comments.

The success of Phase One has encouraged the DOT to continue their efforts. They plan to launch Phase Two of the project, which includes the remodeling of the Arlington business district. Phase Two will begin in the spring of 2008, according to Horst.

Furthermore, Glens Falls, New York, has announced plans to construct a roundabout in the center of the town. “You can bet you’ll see more roundabouts with the success of this project,” said Horst.