RHINEBECK- New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is installing a new optical sensor system to reduce traffic congestion and improve pedestrian safety following the recent failure of an out-of-date traffic control system at the intersection of state Route 9 and Route 308 in the village.
New York State Department of Transportation told Mid-Hudson News in a written statement: “While the intersection currently remains on a fixed timing schedule, these new devices will soon be activated using enhanced vehicle sensory technology, which will switch on the intersection’s traffic lights based on the volume of traffic as opposed to a fixed schedule.”
The state-of-the-art traffic management system will keep high volume traffic throughout the day moving more efficiently, according to Village of Rhinebeck Mayor Gary Bassett. “Even though they are both state roads, the priority will be given to Route 9,” Mayor Bassett explained if both roads have heavy traffic.
Village officials explained the adaptive sensing cameras are for traffic control only and will not be used to monitor the intersection for any other purposes. Rhinebeck Police Department Sergeant/Officer in Charge Pete Dunn explained he hopes the new tech will solve an age-old problem of traffic congestion and increase pedestrian and cyclist safety in the busy village. “That’s the goal,” said sergeant Dunn.
While no concrete date has been given for the switch from a timed system to the optical system, crews have been at work doing “minimalist” branch removal so that cameras will have a clear view of traffic.
This intersection is the closest to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds just to the north and inefficient flow of traffic can cause bottlenecks during tourism events and rush hour. Beyond big events like the Dutchess County Fair, everyday use of these state roads will benefit from real-time traffic flow in the bustling business district in northern Dutchess County.
