Hudson Valley One reported on Friday, July2, 2021, that citizens and city officials of Gardiner are asking that a four-way traffic signal be installed at the intersection of County Route 7 (Bruynswick Road ) and Route 44/55. The intersection, also known as Benton Corners, was the scene of a fatal crash on June 20 that took the life of a 75-year-old resident.
The man was also a much-loved member of the Gardiner Fire Department.
The victim was riding on his motorcycle and traveling northbound on Bruynswick Road at approximately 45 miles per hour, which was the posted speed limit. A passenger vehicle that was traveling eastbound on Route 44/55 at about 55 miles per hour struck the victim’s motorcycle, sending him off the road. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The sedan’s driver and a passenger were also injured and were transported to St. Luke’s Hospital in Newburgh. Their condition had not been released at the time of the report.
Investigators say that because of curves in the road, poor visibility, and no posted warnings about the intersection, no criminal charges will be filed against the sedan’s driver.
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The intersection had always been viewed by locals as one of the most dangerous in Ulster County. An analysis of the intersection was performed by the Ulster County Transportation Council in April of this Year. The agency recommended that the most cost-effective way to make the intersection safer was to install a four-way traffic signal.
Lance McMillan, regional director for the New York State Department of Transportation said in a statement that the traffic study of Benton Corners made it the highest priority intersection in the county for safety improvements.
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