Work is set to commence an $11.4m project to construct a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of State Route 376 and Hooker Avenue in Poughkeepsie, New York.  

This initiative is part of the New York State Department of Transportation’s (NYSDOT) Complete Streets programme. 

The new roundabout seeks to enhance safety and streamline traffic along this Dutchess County roadway. 

It is expected to reduce conflict points for motorists and pedestrians, leading to fewer traffic backups.  

It will feature native landscaping and have new crosswalks, sidewalks, and pedestrian accommodations, improving access to Vassar College and Vassar Farms. 

The Complete Streets, an initiative by NYSDOT, aims to provide safe, convenient access for all roadway users. 

These projects support a cleaner, more environmentally friendly transportation system. 

Roundabouts are said to be known for their ability to increase safety and reduce congestion. They facilitate smoother traffic flow, potentially decreasing commute times.  

Additionally, accidents at roundabouts are claimed to be less severe due to lower speeds, and the absence of electric-powered traffic signals contributes to energy conservation. 

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said: “New York State continues to lead the way in reimagining our infrastructure to create a sustainable transportation network that better connects communities and gets people where they need to go safely. 

“Roundabouts are more efficient, better for the environment, and improve safety and mobility for motorists and pedestrians alike as they travel through busy locations.” 

In planning the State Route 376 roundabout project, NYSDOT collaborated with Vassar College officials and local stakeholders. 

The roundabout is also expected to ensure improved access to the college’s pedestrian path, new faculty housing, and Vassar Farm’s new driveway.  

In addition, the project includes the planting of approximately 59 native trees and more than 600 native perennial plants, in line with community aesthetics. 

NYSDOT has adopted digital delivery methods to prepare for the project, reducing paper usage and promoting sustainability.  

State Department of Transportation commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said: “At DOT our focus is on the people and communities we serve, and this project exemplifies that philosophy with a focus on infrastructure solutions that employ complete streets principles that serve the community.” 

Field preparation, survey, and utility work are scheduled to begin this spring, with the bulk of construction planned for the 2024 season.  

The project will be executed in stages, involving traffic shifts and alternating one-way traffic, with occasional closures. Completion is anticipated by spring 2025.