Community meeting scheduled Monday in Le Roy to discuss Main Street lane changes

So, once again NYS DOT is going to discuss how it is a great idea to drop down to one lane for safety. Once again reverse another decision they decided back in the past was necessary to improve traffic follow. Meaning NYS DOT added lanes because they stated it was needed. Now dropping lanes is for the safety of drivers.

So NYS DOT added a bike lane on Route 63 for the high volume bicyclist (where are they?). Then dropped Route 98 for who knows what. Then they dropped Route 5 (West Bound from Fargo Road-Tractor Supply Company) to one lane for the high volume of left hand turns from the Yogurt Factory and residents in that stretch (Again where are all the vehicles turning out of the factory? Yes, there is such a huge volume of traffic turning on Seven Springs and Stafford Batavia Townline Road (sarcasm).

All these lane changes for the safety of you and I. Really, now traveling to Batavia you get caught behind Grandma and Grandpa who are driving 10-15 under the speed limit, the quarrel truck deliveries who take about a mile before they get up to speed with the limit, farm vehicles and no place to pass slower traffic at all.

My question for the NYS DOT is we had less cars on the roads in the past yet, you saw it necessary to increase the lanes. Now you have more traffic and not only do you decrease the lanes but, the ability to get around slower traffic. Speed kills but, I have seen where slower vehicles have caused accidents.

How about NYS DOT widen the shoulders of the roads to allow slower vehicles such as farm equipment, heavy load bearing trucks and slower drivers to pull over to allow traffic by safely?

BTW, Thank you Stafford Town Officials for announcing the Route 5 lane change and letting the town's people decided. (Sarcasm)

Town of Stafford doesn't have anything to do with what happens on route 5 that is NYSDOT. John seems to be whining about the lane change, but my question is how often do you drive that area John. I have spoken to the Batavia Bus drivers that have to cross those 2 lanes to go back to Batavia from the County Bldg there. They have no problems with it. why do you?

Really? That's odd because it is the exact same NYSDOT Route 5 that runs through the village of LeRoy and they're having a community forum to discuss the proposed changes there. Maybe LeRoy is more special than Stafford because it's the home of Jello.

And if you read the article NYSDOT will have representatives there to answer questions Kevin. And the changes aren't set in stone, notice the advantageous use of the word "potential" when mentioning lane changes.

First of all, I am not sure what the reasoning would be for such a change, as there do not seem to be many accidents on that stretch of road. Secondly, if you look at Route 63 in Batavia as an example, you rarely ever see the bicycle lanes being used, and I have traveled that route at different times and different days, so it appears to be a needless feature. Also, the traffic on route 63 has grown more congested and often gets backed up. Thirdly, Batavia kept route 5 as a four lane highway through their downtown/business district and LeRoy would be wise to do the same. With Main Street LeRoy lined with businesses on both sides, with on street parking, traffic flow has the potential of becoming even more congested then route 63 in Batavia. For example, someone traveling west on route 5 wanting to park at any of the businesses on the North side of Main Street will naturally slow down to turn into an available parking spot. With 2 west-bound lanes someone behind this person can change lanes and go around them. With only one lane that would no longer be an option and traffic will slow tremendously, which could actually increase the incidents of road rage and/or accidents as impatient drivers may then utilize the turning lane to pass these parking vehicles. Fourthly, having only 2 lanes makes it more of a challenge for any vehicle making a left hand turn off of a side street onto Main Street because the traffic will be heavier. With 2 lanes in either direction a vehicle can at least wait for an opening in the closest lane, but with only one lane in either direction it will take longer for such an opening to occur.

These may seem like trivial concerns, but I fear that not enough thought to the long-term consequences will go into this decision. People love convenience and if it becomes inconvenient to travel down Main Street LeRoy area businesses may lose customers who will travel elsewhere to shop and spend their money. If the majority of residents in LeRoy were demanding that a bike lane be put in that would be different, and while a bike lane makes sense for some situations it is not applicable for all situations. It would be a waste and a minor embarrassment for the village to have a bike lane that was rarely used. If the DOT wants to improve the traffic for the village of LeRoy that can easily be done by installing a turning arrow at the traffic light on Route 19 at the Route 5 Intersection. Traffic North bound on Route 19 wishing to make a left-hand turn onto Route 5 often do not have an opening when the light is green and so make the turn after it has already turned red, increasing the chances for an accident to occur. As the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

I hope they add a round-about at the corner of 5 & 19

What this amounts to is job security for the DOT. They'll restripe the road, and 20 years from now will tell us it needs to be 4 lanes again!
Meanwhile, if they keep addressing their highways, one at a time, there will be enough work to keep a DOT guy busy until he retires.

That's the only explanation which makes sense Bud

Leroy-it doesn't matter,as whenever I travel through there-it's not as congested as the highways they "re-striped" in Batavia-the most traffic I see backed up is on Rt.19-people heading to/from the area to Rochester-and they already cut that down to 2 lanes. It really sucks in Batavia trying to get onto 63 now from one of the side streets,along w/ 98,as there is a TREMENDOUS amount of truck traffic using that corridor. Forget trying to navigate the Rt 5/63/98 section between 3:30-5:30. Typical of the state making things worse when they were working ok before.

Oak street travels much better with two lanes than it did four. It's too narrow for four and the turning lanes make the intersections less hazardous for both vehicles and pedestrians.

I don't don't travel Ellicott enough to gage it but it seems to be not much different than Oak.

Now, if they could do something about the all ignorant morons who like to drag race from the light across Main heading North on Oak and nearly sideswipe people in the left lane before making a right at Mix / Prospect, that'd be totally sweet as it's a just about an every day occurrence.

I think there should be a signal light by the Red Osier...

The problem sounds like to many DOT engineers on the state payroll tring to stay relevent...No one was complaining in Batavia about Ellicott being four lanes and no bike lane.But some DOT engineer felt different about it..

How about producing some statistics about accidents, traffic violations, personal injury, flow rates, etc, from before and after the roads were reconfigured to back up an assertion that sounds, from where I'm sitting, like an outlandish claim?

I totally agree with Bud. I have lived in LeRoy in the past and find there is no problem at all with Route 5. I think it is just a waste of money. When I first read this I thought to myself that they change it one day and then turn around and spend more taxpayer money to undo it.

Just a side note, I worked on Main Street in downtown Buffalo during the building of the subway. Everyone talked about how great it would be. Now they are reopening some of the downtown areas to cars again.

Sometimes you just have to leave well enough alone.

Indeed. What's sense does it make to try to progress? Perhaps we should just ditch all our modern transportation and go back to horse drawn carriages on rutted dirt roads.

:rolleyes:

I think that part of the bike lane on Ellicott should be restriped for a dog walking lane, as I see as many dog walkers as I do bicyclists... Just sayin.

Kyle NYS DOT did get with Stafford Town Officials on this matter. Also, my whining is because, I do travel that route every day. What does "Batavia Bus drivers that have to cross those 2 lanes to go back to Batavia from the County Bldg there" have anything to do with my comment (read again because your lack of understanding is amazing here) My issue Kyle is that, why is there a turning lane on RT 5 from Fargo Road (Town of Stafford) to TSC (Batavia)? Kyle is there more people leaving Batavia than entering? Why are there two lanes out of Batavia and one in? Basically Kyle, having to stay behind a slower driver who is doing 10-15 under the limit; or a farmer operating a tractor who's top speed is 30 mph; or heavy load vehicles or trucks who take a half mile or more to get up to speed every time they stop, is senseless. There is no ability to get around traffic that obstructs traffic flow or at least not without breaking NYS traffic laws. As far as Route 63 & 98 go, those are both examples of the stupidity of the recent NYS DOT projects.

Kyle, why is the NYS DOT decreasing lanes on RT 5, 63, and 98 to begin with? How does it help with traffic flow? If, anything it has back up traffic more. Like I stated, there is no way to get around traffic that, is driving slower than the speed limit zone allows. Heck, I have followed National Grid vehicles that, travel between 45-50 mph in a 55 zone and when we are stop at a light or on a hill they take up to a half mile to get to that speed.

Oh, BTW Kyle, look at some of the left hand turn arrows, they lead into a farmers field. Tell me Kyle how often do you turn into a farmer's field?

LMAO, that is awesome Gary. That will solve everything, just look at the round-about at RT 33 and RT 98 in Batavia. I give you a thumbs up.

How about NYS DOT repair or widen some of the county roads for pedestrians and traffic safety? That would keep them busy. Better yet go up to Jefferson County and repair some of their roads which are a danger to everyone.

Because there is no reason for tractors to be going TOWARDS the city John, if YOU think about it there is no agricultural areas going towards Batavia but away from it. Same thing for the Heavy load trucks, they dont hit lights AFTER leaving the city and they usually are coming off the Thruway heading towards LeRoy. Not to metion all the large trucks taking more equipment to the Yogurt Factories.

Thats just a guess as to the why there are 2 lanes out and one in.... As for the bus drivers I think they travel that a hell of alot more than you do in the many trips they make in a day to that point. And dontcha think it would me more difficult for them to have to travel the two lanes plus the turning lane to get into the one lane leading into the city?

Seems your lack of understanding is a bit amazing too.

Kyle it is really obvious you do not travel through Stafford alot. Yes farm equipment does travel west bound on RT 5. Just because, the fields are the south side of RT 5, doesnt mean farmers just travel east to get to them. They also travel west. I guess you thought all the farmers lived in Batavia?

Second, I guess you forgot (better yet didnt know) about the stone quarry there on RT 5 (in Stafford) that, heavy loads of stone are removed from? Not to mention Batavia is not the only Thruway exit in our county, Pembroke and LeRoy have one too. So, now your theory about all deliveries going through the Batavia exit is full of holes too. Why would a delivery coming from the east travel further west to go back east? Is it in your world that, traffic only travels east?

Third, once again you bring up buses. Explain to me Kyle, does Batavia have the only school buses that, travel RT 5? No! Also, once again what do buses have to do with anything with decreasing the number of lanes on RT 5? Bingo, absolutely nothing.

BTW Kyle, I do travel alot. My car is one year and two weeks old and I have 37734 miles currently. I bought it with 7 miles on the odometer. My understanding is just fine. BTW, have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. No hard feelings I hope.

BTW Kyle, every NYS DOT project starts off as a "potential project." You are right not everything is set in stone. Hench, why they are sending representatives to answer questions and/or concerns about their proposal.

"Potential", in hopes the common citizen is apathetic, and is willing to let NY do whatever NY wants to do. Thank you to the good citizens in the standing room only crowd.

Not referring to Batavia School Buses John.....referring to the Grey regional transit buses that make about 15 or 20 loops a day....

Also what the hell are you talking about? Why would any farmers traveling the area of Rte 5 that you are talking about go any further than the Tractor Shop or the Fairgrounds? There is nothing further west unless they are going to the other side of the city and to be honest fuel is way to expensive for them to bother traveling that far with field equipment.

Just seems to me you are being very picky about your complaints. I don't imagine you'd be able to drive in NYC or Syracuse or even Buffalo without blowing a gasket if you find this much to complain about here.

Kyle, There are several Farmers that work land both east and west of the city as well as north and south of the city, Offhaus Farms and MY-T Acres are the two that immediately come to mind.

Yep and they have equipment and barns/sheds on both sides of the city. I dont ever recall seeing a tractor and manure spreader being hauled across the city on Rte 5 unless it was being trailered on a flatbed.

Kyle obviously farmers do not all have facilities everywhere they own land. Torrey's own land all over this county and more. Yes, one may have barns in say like Elba but, do not have a facility everywhere they own land to grow crops. This means they have to travel with equipment.

Also, some farm equipment is too large to go through the city. Second the city is not where the lanes are reduced. Third there are numerous roads around and before the city. Here are two examples for you. There is a farm located on Stafford Batavia Townline road approximately a half mile south of Route 5. There is another one located on Seven Springs Road approximately 1 1/2 mile north of Route 5. I am sure they use Route 5 not to mention those farmer's who own and operate fields in near by towns.

Dude, your philosophy would be like saying that the military wouldn’t have to send more troops from America to Afghanistan because, we already have troops there. Not to mention we have bases in nearby Europe, Asia, and the Middle East regions that, we could draw troops from. There are those places you just can't store the necessary equipment or material you need. Same applies to farmers. You know Kyle the issues with Route 5 is on the east side of the Town of Batavia and west side of the Town of Stafford. So, let me reverse your question that you asked me. How often do you travel that route? My guess is "Not that often."

Since, you were not referring to School Buses, I did not refer to any bus at all. You bring up Grey Regional Bus Terminal so, why in heck would they travel via Route 5 in Stafford? Don't they used the Thruway?

Hello Bud, did you attend the meeting? If so, was your impression that, they are going to proceed with or without LeRoy's approval? Or are they going to let LeRoy decided whether or not it goes through?

Kyle, if you had actually read my comment throughly. You would of noticed that my reference to the Tractor Supply Company was a reference point of where the one lane begins and ended on Route 5. Not that numerous tractors go through Batavia. Once again adding something to my comment through your own thought or assumption and not what I wrote. The other was the bus reference which you brought into play and not me. BTW, is not that bus terminal located on the west side of Batavia too? Which makes it really irrevealant to my comment.

"Just seems to me you are being very picky about your complaints."

Kyle, I am not picky when you try to put things in my comment I never stated. I am not blowing a gasket. If you were talking to me in person I am very calm. I do not get upset over any comments on the Batavian, I like the debates and hearing others' opinions, whether I agree with you or not I do not hate or dislike you. Actually Kyle I liked our talk in person. Heck, it may seem that, I cannot stand Doug Yeoman but, I do not dislike or hate him. I am sure I would get along with him.

It is my opinion your comments are without merit. I like many others I travel RT 5 from Stafford to Batavia on a daily bases and have been delayed by numerous slow moving vehicles whether they are elderly, heavy loads, farm equipment and buses (your addition). We know and experience this section more than you. Frankly Kyle you are not affected by this stupidity of the NYS DOT. Most country roads and highways give one the ability to get around slower drivers or vehicles but, RT 5 does not give that option and you are at the mercy of the impeding driver ahead of you until you get by the TSC or if they turned off RT 5 before.

Yes, there are other places that, I hate driving through (Batavia the land of traffic lights is one of them) Lockport, Wheatfield etc... I run into the same issues there too. I hate when people driving in the passing lane do not pass or get out of the way of faster traffic on the thruway. Even if that person may be speeding does not make it right for someone to not get out of the way. The passing lane is just what it for, to pass other drivers who are slower or impeding vehicles. Hench, why there are signs posted, "Slower Traffic Keep Right."

Kyle, like I said I do not get angry with anyone on the Batavian. We can agree to disagree or agree. It does not make any of a bad person just because, we do not agree.

Kyle every day from spring to fall large pieces of farm equipment drawn by tractors travel from one end of the city to the other. Remember when a large farm tractor rolled over a Ford Focus a year or two ago near river street?

You may not see manure spreaders, but you certainly see 50' cultivators folded up and pulled by large 4-wheel drive tractors, You see Sprayers, harvesting equipment, planting equipment etc. traveling from one side of the city to the other almost every day. Not to mention PEA combines that are nearly 40' long and various other pieces of machinery. Barns and sheds on both sides of the city does not limit that equipment from traversing to either. Come on now

Thank you Mark, glad to see that someone knows what the true issue is. Whether Kyle likes it or not he is incorrect on this matter. Plain and simple.