David R. Roefaro, Mayor

City of Utica, New York

05/18/09 - Roefaro says traffic signal removal gets green light

Mayor Roefaro Says 'Lights Out' For Some Utica Traffic Signals, Fulfills His Promise To Remove Traffic Lights City No Longer Needs

 

May 18, 2009- (Utica, NY) - Utica Mayor David Roefaro is kicking off another phase of his traffic signal replacement project this week. "I promised Uticans I'd work to remove unnecessary traffic lights around the city. That's what we'll be doing this month- Removing four and replacing one. I've certainly got my work cut out for me [dealing with decades old traffic signals] but every initiative has to start somewhere," the mayor said.

 

Mayor Roefaro will be removing the following traffic signals this month:

 

Genesee Street and Noyes Street

Seneca Street and Lafayette Street

State Street and Lafayette Street

South Street and Park Ave

 

The Mayor will replace the light at the entrance of St. Elizabeth's Hospital on Genesee Street. This winter, he put a temporary light there at the request of both residents and hospital staff.

 

What's the process for the lights Roefaro is removing?

 

For a period of 30 days these lights will be on flash mode. After the 30 day period, the lights will be bagged in place for 30 days, and then removed totally.

 

"Our consultants researched these locations, utilizing traffic count data, and our police have agreed- these lights can go," Roefaro said. "We'll work to take more unnecessary traffic lights off the streets."