Getting There
State taking another look at Latham intersection after pedestrian death.
Q: Is it now time for the State of New York Transportation Department to take another look at the intersection of Swatling Road and Route 2 in Latham?
It has become a more dangerous place now that there are so many new homes built off Swatling Road that need access to Route 2.
The intersection has a double set of lights which increases the difficulty of safe passage. And (recently) a woman lost her life there.
Janet Nittoli was struck and killed at this intersection on Dec. 11, trying to cross Route 2.
Would the state need any more evidence than her senseless death to take another look and do what it takes to make this a safer place for drivers and pedestrians?
Perhaps something good could come from this woman’s awful highway death.
A: The New York State Department of Transportation has begun an updated study to determine if traffic patterns have changed in this area, Tom.
According to spokesman Bryan Viggiani, the DOT investigated the intersections of Route 2 at Swatling Road (where a pedestrian signal and crosswalk are located) and Youngs Place in 2016.
Viggiani said that the three-year accident rate in this area was well below statewide numbers for similar roadways, but added that the department takes tragedies like the death of Janet Nittoli seriously.
That’s why the DOT will study the intersections again.
“New York has made pedestrian safety a priority, and as part of the governor’s Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, more than 850 pedestrian crossing locations have already been upgraded to enhance safety,” Viggiani said. “These investments, as well as efforts to crack down on lawbreakers and educate the public, make our streets safer and promote more walkable communities across New York State.”