LIBERTY — The Town Board voted unanimously to transform the intersection of Old Monticello and Twin Bridge roads into a four-way stop following a public hearing on Local Law #4 of 2024, which heard no criticisms. The law will go into effect on Wednesday, August 28.

As the Democrat previously reported, the intent behind the legislation is to lessen the chances of vehicular accidents around the intersection. Prior to the passing of the local law, Liberty Planning Board member Manny Steinberg lauded the idea.

“[That intersection has] always been an area of concern” for traffic safety, he noted. As a resident living near the notorious junction, Steinberg’s hope were that with two sets of stop signs, if at least one vehicle obeys the law in any given interaction at the interchange, then the safety of all parties involved will increase.

After the law’s adoption, Swan Lake resident Cora Edwards made note of the many other roads in Liberty which still pose a threat as traffic danger remains a concern.

“Things are being done, but there are many intersections going down State Route 55 that are hotspots [for traffic accidents],” Edwards said, listing Stanton Corners, Briscoe and Kelly Bridge roads as examples. As talks of updating the town’s Comprehensive Plan continue, she said that “traffic needs to come at the top of the list” of concerns.

Edwards also noted that the town’s efforts to increase traffic safety should be done following a traffic study, as well as in tandem with the county, to which Town Supervisor Frank DeMayo explained that these talks are already happening between town and county officials. 

“We met with the county Planning Department to discuss some hotspots,” he said. The Supervisor said that when it comes to the Comp Plan, traffic “will be something to be considered moving forward.”