Traffic lights coming to Newbridge Road

Less than two years ago, construction crews could be seen working along Newbridge Road — Route 106 — between Hempstead Turnpike and North Jerusalem Road, turning four lanes into two. The State Department of Transportation aimed to curtail speeding and aggressive driving with a “road diet.”

“We believe it’s been effective in reducing speeds,” said DOT spokeswoman Eileen Peters.

But residents quickly began complaining directly to the DOT that it was nearly impossible to make left turns across oncoming traffic. To combat the newest Newbridge Road dilemma, traffic lights will be installed at Second Avenue and Amherst Street/Lawn Drive, according to the DOT.

“Safety is our number one priority, and something needed to be addressed there,” said Peters. “It’s difficult to make turns at certain cross-streets. Because traffic was moving so steadily, people weren’t getting a break.”

There are no current statistics on whether eliminatinglanes cut down on speeding, but the change was also intended to address safety concerns. The state Department of Motor Vehicles reported 119 accidents and six fatalities on Newbridge Road in 2009. The DMV has not offered updated statistics since the roadwork was completed.

There are also no current statistics to suggest that traffic lights are needed. However, the DOT has received so many complaints from residents that DOT staff members who have looked into the problem have determined that traffic lights are needed.

The lights are expected to cost between $100,000 and $150,000 each, and will be funded by the DOT traffic signals project budget. The department plans to begin installation this spring and to complete the project by the end of the summer.

East Meadow residents and people who work in town have expressed a range of reactions to the news, which is traveling solely by word of mouth. Ray Chand, the manager of East Meadow Wines and Spirits, near Amherst Street and Newbridge Road, said he hasn’t noticed a problem making left turns, but he added that the lights could help his business. “People might stop and see [us],” he said. “Otherwise, people just pass by.”

“I would rather see them restore it to two lanes [in each direction] and put up traffic lights,” said Al Mancini, an East Meadow resident for nearly 15 years, referring to the DOT. He added that turning Newbridge Road into a two-lane road has not curbed speeding.

“People are trying to cut around cars,” added Mike G., who is known locally as Mike the Cop. “People are in a rush,” he said. “They do 50, 60 miles per hour in a 40.” Mike also said that people would likely cut through the parking lot at Kiely’s Bar and Grille, at the corner of Newbridge Road and Amherst Street, in order to avoid one of the new lights.

“It’s been pretty horrible to make a left out of here,” said Mike O’Brien, who co-owns Kiely’s with his brother Tim. “I’d be a big proponent of a light. I like the idea because people will have to stop and will see the location. I think that’ll be huge.”