An Open Letter to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT):

We have come together as a community to petition the NYSDOT to completely review the portion of new highway construction from Woodgate Corners South on Route 28.

There has been a problem for years with the egression of traffic from Bear Creek Road going either left to go South, right to go North, or straight to go West to Boonville.

As Bear Creek Road is a dead-end road, these are our only options on Route 28.

Visibility has been, and still is, our main concern.

According to the press release from DOT on August 16, 2010, one objective of the $5.5 million road project was to “modify the vertical profile of the road, reducing the “roller coaster” effect, and “improving sight distance.”

Whereas the DOT has succeeded in improving the roads profile, it has significantly decreased the visibility on top of the hill at the intersection where the blinking light is located.

Without the “roller coaster” profile, drivers are not able to see vehicles approaching the intersection going North on Route 28 until they are too close to slow down.

This has already resulted in car accidents at the top of the hill under the blinking light.

We are especially concerned with construction vehicles and tractor trailers who have slower stopping times when carrying a heavy load.

Even these drivers have voiced their concern.

In that same press release, State Senator Joseph A. Griffo stated, “The quality of our transportation infrastructure is a vital part of our quality of life. This project will make driving better and safer for the thousands who rely on Route 28 as their connection to work, to family or to vacation destinations.”

As members of this community, we are telling you this is not safer.

Since Route 28 is the only way in and out of the Adirondacks to tourist hot spots such as Old Forge all the way to Lake Placid, thousands of people drive this road every week.

Also, with increasing numbers of year round residents and an increase in new homes and driveways being built on and around Route 28, the road project has hindered just as much as it has helped.

By repairing the road, it has become an expressway for many drivers and remains a very dangerous situation with potentially devastating results.

We are requesting the DOT to further reduce the crown in front of the church to Woodgate Corners.

We are also asking for a reduction of he speed limit for increased safety.

We would like to see a 45-mph speed limit from the base of Purgatory Hill, through Woodgate Corners to one mile South of Woodgate on Route 28.

This would suffice for many residents, the Boy Scout camps; as well as many businesses such as Matteson’s Market, White Lake Polaris, White Lake Inn, the Seasons Café located at the intersection under the blinking light where one accident has already taken place, along with other small businesses located through this stretch.

Pursuant to New York State VAT Article 30 § 1180(e), it is the law to reduce driving speed when approaching and going around a curve as well as approaching a hillcrest.

Since many people speed on Route 28 through Woodgate, it is in our best interest to reduce the speed limit.

When we are 45 minutes away from any given hospital during the summer and over an hour during the winter, as residents, we expect the DOT to ensure our safety as well as all the tourists who pass by.

If the DOT is already spending $5.5 million on this road project, spend a little more and ensure the safety and peace of mind to all.

Safe and Sane

Drivers Committee

Don Olney, Chairman

Woodgate