The City of New Rochelle has received $2.54 million from New York State for pedestrian signal improvements, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s office announced today. The grant is part of a $62 million investment in the groundbreaking Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, a multi-agency initiative to utilize engineering, education and enforcement campaigns to enhance pedestrian safety across Upstate New York and on Long Island. The full New York State release can be read here.

"Pedestrian safety impacts residents of all ages and in all communities, and it is critical that we make our roads safer for everyone," Governor Cuomo said. "By making significant investments in our roads, educating the public, and cracking down on lawbreakers, New York is supporting eco-friendly transportation in our downtowns while enhancing pedestrian safety in all corners of the state."

New Rochelle Public Works Commissioner Scott Pickup noted, “This grant will enable us to upgrade intersections in every area of our City.” He commended New Rochelle’s Director of Traffic Engineering Patrick Sbano for his work in preparing the grant application, which will increase pedestrian safety at the following key locations:

In addition to the $62 million pedestrian safety investment, a police enforcement and education campaign focusing on correct motorist and pedestrian behavior will run June 15 - June 28. The new public service announcement See! Be Seen!, which can be viewed here, will also air across the state highlighting the rules of the road for both pedestrians and motorists at intersections. The Pedestrian Safety Action Plan utilizes engineering, education and enforcement to enhance pedestrian and motorist safety across New York State.

Pedestrian safety site evaluations began last year on state-owned roadways, including at 2,000 crosswalks without traffic signals and 2,400 signalized intersections. The assessments identified cost-effective upgrades that greatly improve safety for pedestrians. Upgrades include the installation of high visibility crosswalk markings and additional signs, as well as signalization enhancements, such as extended crossing times, countdown timers that tell pedestrians how many seconds they have to cross the street, and leading pedestrian intervals that help make pedestrians more visible to motorists by giving them a head start before traffic can turn onto the street.

Projects on local roads were selected through the State Department of Transportation's capital program. Funding is being provided for cost-effective upgrades that greatly improve safety for pedestrians. Upgrades could include the installation of high visibility crosswalk markings and additional signs, as well as signalization enhancements. A list of local allocations by region can be seen here.

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