Statement From New York State Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald On The Bronx River Parkway

ALBANY, NY (05/02/2012)(readMedia)-- New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald said today: "The New York State Department of Transportation shares community concerns about the safety of the Bronx River Parkway in the wake of the tragic crash that claimed the lives of seven family members on April 29.

"Since Sunday's accident, we have been working on interim actions that will be implemented on the parkway beginning this morning.

"For the viaduct over the Bronx Zoo, as well as two other similarly constructed viaducts south that cross over East Tremont Avenue and Amtrak respectively, NYSDOT will install concrete barriers along the outside (right hand) travel lane so that these barriers will abut the viaduct curbing on both the north and southbound lanes.

"Beginning today, NYSDOT crews will be installing signage and will be striping the approaches and decking of the three BRP viaducts in question.

"During the installation of the barriers on each of these viaducts, motorists will be informed that they will be traveling through a construction zone, which will limit their legal speed to 35 mph.

"We are working cooperatively with the New York Police Department on enhanced enforcement activities in the area to help raise driver awareness and reduce travel speeds."

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Assemblyman Marcos Crespo said: "As a member of the Assembly Transportation Committee, I am proud and grateful for the expeditious response from the State Department of Transportation. We are paying our respects in part through this timely effort to improve safety measures along the Bronx River Parkway as we continue to mourn the tremendous loss of three generations."

Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera said: "I'm extremely pleased that the State Department of Transportation has responded swiftly and in a meaningful way to the calls for new safety measures on the Bronx River Parkway. Drivers on the parkway will immediately be safer as a result of the State DOT's actions today. I'm committed to working with them in Albany and with Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. on long-term solutions as well. In the midst of their unimaginable grief, I pray that the surviving family members will find a measure of peace in knowing that New York State is working to ensure that no other family has to live through a similar ordeal."

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said: "I am grateful that the State Department of Transportation has heard our calls for safety improvements on the Bronx River Parkway. We must do everything we can to avoid a similar tragedy in the future, and this announcement is an important first step towards the goal of an improved Bronx River Parkway that is safer for drivers and the community alike. I thank the State Department of Transportation for moving quickly to address these issues, and I look forward to assisting them in the implementation of these improvements in the future."

Robert Sinclair, spokesman for AAA New York, said: "AAA New York commends Commissioner McDonald for acting quickly to address safety issues at this dangerous location. We believe that these improvements will enhance safety and help prevent future tragic crashes until more permanent improvements can be made."

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