1995-05-19
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Dutchess
County
Public
Works
William R. Steinhaus
County Executive
Highway System
Management
Divisions
Pa ul 1.. Casslllo, PE
Commissioner
County Superintendent
of Highways
Richard W. SteUer, CET,AtC
Deputy Commissioner
Director of Construction
and Maintenance
Joseph W. Grogan, PE
Director of Engineering
Carol 1.. Hadlgan.NP
Business Manager
38 Dutchess Turnpike
Arlington Branch
P.O.Box 3207
Poughkeepsie
New York
12(503-0207
(914) 471-0700
Fax (914) 471.0940
jJlJ-~
May 19, 1995
RECEiVED
MAY 26 1!=J.Q!)
~~R6F/SWOR'S OFFICE
APPINCiER
Mr. Robert Lerner
67 Smith Crossing Road
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
Dear Mr. Lerner:
I am in receipt of your letter with several co-signatures
in regard to the railroad bridge crossing at Diddel Road
and the poor sight distance problem of its approaches.
. .
As you are aware, there is an ongoing study of this
abandoned railroad bed corridor by the N.Y.S. Department
of Transportation. I believe there was a press release
recently from the Dutchess County Planning Department in
reference to this study.
This office is aware of the poor geometries of Diddel
Road due to restrictions of the overpass and "S" curve of
both approaches. The Town of Wappinger had applied and
received funds from the New York State SHIPS (Suburban
Highway Improvement Program) program for the removal of
the structure and related work. At the final review
phase of the SHIPS projects, New York State disallowed
this project to be included in the SHIPS program and
funds were diverted to other projects also submitted by
the Town of Wappinger. These above mentioned activities
and final decision by the State lasted until December of
1994.
As mentioned earlier, we do concur with you that this
area could be improved. However, I would like to point
out that this road belongs to the Town of Wappinger, and
it is in their maintenance jurisdiction. This office is
willing to discuss these issues with the Town of
Wappinger to attempt to resolve this matter. Therefore,
we will forward your letter to Town officials in an
effort to initiate further action.
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Page 2
5/19/95
Mr. Lerner
In conclusion, this office understands and appreciates
your concerns in this matter.
Thank you.
Very truly yours,
~~2~
Paul L. Cassillo, P.E.
Commissioner
PLC/di
cc: william steinhaus, County Executive
Can Tekben, DPW Engineering Division
bee: Constance Smith, Supervisor, Town of Wappinger~
Graham Foster, Supt. of Highways, Town of Wappinger
March 20, 1995
U U 'r c i~:i', ' ;~.'!
Dutchess County Commissioner of Public Works
22 Market street
Poughkeepsie N.Y. 12601
Attn: Mr. Paul Cassillo
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Dear Mr. Cassillo,
We wish to advise you and put you on notice of an extremely
dangerous condition caused by and resulting ~rom the existence
of the old rail road bridge on Diddel Road in the Town of
Wappinger.
As you enter the bridge from either direction by way of Diddel
Road it is impossible to see if any vehicle is coming towards
you from the other side. Although there are signs posted
indicating the path under the bridge is a one lane route, it
is impossible to tell if a vehicle is approaching the tunnel.
Compounding the problem is the totally blind right' hand turn
one must make from Smith Crossing Road under the railroad bridge
to Diddel Rd. for access to Route 376, and subsuquently the
blind left hand turn from Diddel onto Smith Crossing Road, coming
from the opposite direction.
There have been several near collisions and several people
have been pushed onto the shoulder of Smith Crossing Rd.
Additionally the bridge itself is a hazard as loose pieces of
concrete are constantly falling onto the road, and ,in inclement
cold weather icicles form and fall from the overpass onto in
some instances car roofs and hoods.
If the county is waiting as to the resolution of RD 11, we
all know that this thoroughf-are will in all probability never
be built due to the down sizing of IBM and various other economic
reasons as well as the environmental impact. Mr. Cassillo,
in order to create a safer condition the bridge needs to be
removed and then there must be some road work or clearing done
in order to enable drivers to see all approaching traffic from
either side of Diddel Road and Smith Crossing Road. We await
your response as to how the County plans to rectify this
extremely dangerous situation.
~ ~'~1~d
W~f'~I'~er ~i r1Y '~o
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