Argenio Brothers Start $11M Roundabout At Key Intersection Near Vassar College
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY—New York State officials announced on April 5 that work will soon begin on a $11.4-million project to reconfigure the intersection of State Route 376 (also known as Raymond Avenue/New Hackensack Road) and Hooker Avenue here to construct a single- lane roundabout designed to improve safety and traffic flow along this busy Dutchess County roadway.
The contractor tasked with the project, Argenio Brothers of New Windsor, NY, will construct the new roundabout that will also feature native landscaping and will be designed to remove the conflict points that motorists and pedestrians encounter. New crosswalks, sidewalks and other pedestrian accommodations will also improve access to nearby destinations, including Vassar College and Vassar Farms.
In designing the project, the New York State Department of Transportation sought input from adjoining Vassar College and community stakeholders. The new roundabout will also facilitate improved access to the college’s pedestrian path, new faculty housing and Vassar Farm’s new driveway.
Additionally, the project creates new landscaped areas, including the center of the roundabout. To keep with the aesthetics of the community, NYSDOT landscape architects developed a plan for landscaping that includes approximately 59 native tree plantings and over 600 native perennial plants. NYSDOT also employed digital delivery techniques in preparing the project, limiting the amount of paper documents produced and facilitating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly result.
Field preparation, survey and utility work is getting underway this spring, with the majority of project construction scheduled for the 2024 construction season. Construction is expected to be done in stages and will include traffic shifts and alternating one-way traffic with periodic closures.
The project is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2025. The project is part of NYSDOT’s “Complete Streets” initiative to consider safe, convenient access and mobility for roadway users of all ages and abilities. Complete Streets projects consider the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation riders, motorists, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Complete Street designs contribute to a cleaner and more environmentally friendly transportation system.
Roundabouts are engineered to maximize safety and minimize congestion. Compared to some traditional intersections, traffic flows more freely through roundabouts, cutting congestion and commute times. Crashes at roundabouts tend to be less severe because they typically occur at slower speeds. Roundabouts also eliminate the need for electric-powered traffic signals.