|
Install flashing lights at Kensington entrance
Editorial
Less than two months into 2008, Cheektowaga police have fielded eight reports of westbound vehicles traveling in the eastbound lanes of the Kensington Expressway. That's two-thirds of the 12 that were reported in all of 2007. In each case, the wrong-way vehicle apparently entered the highway where it ends at Genesee Street. Thankfully, no one has died from injuries suffered in these mishaps.
The New York State Department of Transportation says that the Kensington-Genesee-Airport intersection meets state standards. Obviously, something is still missing. Signs can be erected, but possibly the only resolution to this dangerous situation is flashing lights.
Perhaps the most recognizable local example of using flashing lights to alert traffic is along the Kensington Expressway at an interchange in Buffalo where "inbound" drivers must continue southwest toward downtown, or head west onto the Scajaquada Expressway. These lights- a series of arrows spreading outward from the middle of the "split" and pointing toward the two options- are nearly impossible to miss, even on the snowiest and foggiest of nights.
Similar lights are used at other dangerous highway locations. Probably all motorists who have taken Interstate 90 into Cleveland are familiar with a dangerous left turn where the speed limit plummets to 25 miles per hour and knows the effect the flashing arrows has on their attention. A flashing arrow pointing to the correct lane may be the ideal solution at the Kensington entrance.
Incidentally, there is already a sign with flashing lights near the dangerous Kensington-Genesee intersection. As eastbound drivers approach the highway's terminus at Genesee Street, the roadway makes a hard left turn, creating a blind spot. Just beyond the turn is a traffic light. At the beginning of the turn, alerting drivers to the traffic signal, is a sign with alternately blinking lights.
Some may question the need for flashing lights and argue that the recent spike in wrong-way accidents is a temporary fluke. That is a valid point. Similar concerns were raised during a rash of accidents that occurred along two stretches of William Street in 2005 and 2006. Residents claimed the two areas were traffic hazards, but long-term statistics said otherwise.
The DOT plans to add pavement markings that are expected to "guide" drivers toward the correct lanes. We question the effectiveness of pavement markings on snowy days, something that occurs quite frequently here. In addition, the wrong-way occurrences appear to have coincided with the completion of a multi-year reconstruction of Genesee Street by the DOT. Flashing lights may not put an end to wrong-way drivers at this intersection, but they could be the most effective means to grab a driver's attention and possibly prevent the loss of lives.
| 
