As promised last week, I am following up on the lane changes to Route 590. This morning I had a very productive meeting at my district office with regional representatives of DOT.

As a result, we agreed to release the following joint statement: 

Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle (D-Irondequoit) and New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) Region 4 Acting Director Robert Traver met today to discuss the recent lane changes on Route 590 at the interchanges with Route 104, East Ridge Road and Titus Avenue in Irondequoit.

The meeting was requested in response to the confusion and concern expressed by many residents and drivers of the area since the changes were made a few weeks ago.  Recognizing the high traffic volumes and speeds in this commuter and residential corridor, all parties understand the need to address this situation immediately, in advance of the upcoming inclement weather.

DOT officials had an opportunity to describe the reasoning for the changes to the traffic system.  The primary goals are:

• To even the distribution of traffic on 590 north across all lanes to 104 west (right lane), 104 east (center lane), and Sea Breeze Drive/East Ridge Road (left lane) and lower the accident rate at these interchanges.
• To increase lane capacity of traffic from 104 westbound (Webster) to 590 south.
• To channelize traffic on 590 north before the first roundabout on Sea Breeze Drive at Titus Ave.

While those primary goals resulted in some new traffic patterns, DOT realizes there has been some confusion and is working to clarify how traffic moves through this area.  Therefore, DOT will take the following actions:

• Expedite the installation of temporary sign panels to better clarify lane changes in the coming weeks;
• Relocate existing signs to better align with lanes underneath;
• Modify the temporary striping to better designate and improve the new travel lanes;
• Ensure all new lines are clearly visible with permanent markings before winter;
• Host a public forum with Assemblyman Morelle before winter to educate residents and drivers on the intent of the project and the changes being implemented;
• Install new, permanent overhead signs over the winter as conditions allow.

Assemblyman Morelle and the regional DOT will work collaboratively on this issue and encourage anyone to contact them with additional concerns or suggestions in the near future.