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Franklin County Legislature urges NYSDOT to re‑install caution lights at Dickinson intersection after two fatal crashes
Summary
The Legislature unanimously adopted a resolution urging the New York State Department of Transportation to return a caution light at the Route 11B and County Route 5 intersection in Dickinson following two recent fatal crashes and multiple nonfatal collisions since the light was removed in 2013.
The Franklin County Legislature on Dec. 5, 2019 unanimously approved Resolution No. 343 urging the New York State Department of Transportation and the Franklin County Traffic Safety Board to re‑install caution lights at the intersection of State Route 11B and County Route 5 in the town of Dickinson.
Chairman Donald Dabiew and several legislators said the request follows a string of collisions at the intersection since the traffic caution light was removed during a 2013 reconstruction of Route 11B. The resolution notes the first fatal crash occurred within a year after the light was removed and that a second fatal crash—one that claimed the life of a former state assemblywoman—occurred the previous year. The resolution also references at least six nonfatal accidents earlier in the year.
Why it matters: The resolution is a formal request to NYSDOT and the county Traffic Safety Board to prioritize safety improvements at a specific intersection that county officials say has seen a worsening safety record since 2013.
What the resolution does: It directs the clerk of the Franklin County Legislature to transmit a copy of the resolution to NYSDOT and the Franklin County Traffic Safety Board, urging immediate attention. The Legislature recorded the motion to adopt the resolution as made by Legislator Paul Lauzon and seconded by Legislator Melinda Ellis; the motion carried with all members present voting in the affirmative.
What it does not do: The resolution is advisory; it urges state action but does not compel NYSDOT to act. The transcript does not include a state response or a timeline for any improvements.
Next steps: The Clerk is directed to forward the resolution to NYSDOT and the county Traffic Safety Board; follow‑up will depend on actions taken by those agencies.
