Changes to dangerous stretch on Route 18 coming

A stretch of Route 18 which has claimed several lives in recent years will get some changes to speed limits and signs before the end of the year. The section of Route 18 is west of Redman Road in the Town of Hamlin.

Town of Hamlin Supervisor Dennis Roach said it was through the concerns of citizens that a meeting was held in early October with NYS Department of Transportation officials, Senator George Maziarz, Monroe County Sheriff's representatives and town highway and fire officials to discuss the area. "It was partly due to residents becoming active, banding together and contacting their local elected officials that we were able to see something done with this dangerous stretch of highway," Roach said. Residents have been requesting assistance for the speed zones in that area for many years, Roach said.

"In response to highway safety concerns along Route 18 in the Town of Hamlin, the state DOT evaluated the existing highway conditions and met with local officials. DOT officials have agreed to lower the posted speed limit from 55 to 50 mph just east of the Orleans county line to Redman Road. In addition, DOT will be installing yellow advisory speed signs of 45 mph at the curve where there has been a number of accidents in recent history," Lori Maher, public information officer for the DOT said. "Also, a series of yellow chevron signs with an arrow symbol will be added to draw attention to the curve. Trees and brush have been trimmed along the corridor to improve sight distance."

The DOT is in contact with the town to review snow plowing and salting procedures to see if improvements can be made to reduce slippery road accidents.

Maher said the DOT anticipates having most, if not all, of the changes implemented by the end of the year.

© October 28, 2007 - Westside News Inc.