Light timing changes have been made to alleviate congestion at the intersection during school hours.
Over the summer, as part of the Edgemont Community Council’s (ECC) comprehensive traffic and pedestrian safety initiative, the ECC Traffic, Sidewalks, and Safety Committee received feedback from concerned and frustrated residents that the intersection of Central Avenue and Underhill Road/Old Army Road experienced significant backup at the traffic signal during school dropoff and pickup, even after the installation of a left turn arrow by New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) at this intersection in 2019.
ECC President Dylan Pyne brought this concern to the Office of Assemblymember Amy Paulin, who worked with the NYSDOT to have “school timing plans” – which are effectively changes to traffic light traffic timing during school pickup and dropoff times – added to the traffic signal at the intersection of Central Avenue and Underhill Road/Old Army Road. These traffic light timing changes were made at the end of September 2023. Since that time, Dylan Pyne and Office of Amy Paulin staff observed the intersection and witnessed a significant enhancement in traffic flow during school dropoff and pickup.
“I’m very pleased that the traffic light timing changes have been made and have alleviated the congestion in the area,” said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. “I appreciate the ECC and Edgemont residents who participated in their traffic study and was happy to help. I hope that the Edgemont community continues to use me and my office as a resource and partner.”
“The Edgemont Community Council thanks Assemblymember Amy Paulin, her staff, and the NYSDOT for their responsiveness to the concerns of Edgemont,” said ECC President Dylan Pyne. “The ECC seeks to improve the quality of life for those living in Edgemont and appreciate Assemblymember Paulin’s and the NYSDOT’s partnership in helping us fulfill our mission to advocate for the Edgemont community.”