WAWAYANDA – Final approval has been granted to build an emergency crash gate entrance onto Interstate 84 in the Town of Wawayanda.
A renewed call went out following last September’s accident when a charter coach bus carrying Long Island high school band members crashed down a ravine killing two adults onboard.
Local officials have been calling for the crash gate for some 20 years and now thanks to a push by U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, Congressman Pat Ryan, State Senator James Skoufis, Assemblyman Karl Brabenec, and local fire and town officials, it has been approved.
The Federal Highway Administration has approved the State Department of Transportation’s plans for the access gate with the work expected to begin in the spring construction season.
“Every second counts when life-saving care is needed,” said Skoufis, who noted the new gate will cut down on the time it takes for first responders to reach an incident.
“In an emergency, every minute and second counts,” said Schumer.
Governor Kathy Hochul said the state DOT will install the gate and access to County Route 49.
