DOT to launch traffic study after years of crashes at notorious West Babylon intersection
This is the latest incident that has prompted people in the area to voice safety concerns.
More Stories
The New York State Department of Transportation is initiating a traffic study at a West Babylon intersection following a crash earlier this morning and years of complaints from people who live and work in the area.
A spokesperson for the agency said the study will analyze crash data and conditions at the intersection of State Route 109 and Herzel Boulevard to enhance safety.
"Safety is a shared responsibility and NYSDOT urges motorists to drive responsibly by obeying posted speed limits and staying alert," NYSDOT spokesperson Stephen Canzoneri told News 12.
Around 4 a.m. today, Suffolk County police said a 29-year-old West Islip man was driving an MTA truck westbound on Route 109 approaching Herzel when the vehicle struck an eastbound sedan driven by a 31-year-old Valley Stream man attempting to turn left onto Herzel.
No one was injured, according to police.
Less than three weeks ago, on Aug. 7, a crash involving a pickup truck and a sedan that injured both drivers at this same spot led residents and business owners to share safety concerns.
This intersection was also the site of a fatal crash back in 2022.
People said they believed the blinking yellow left turn arrow confuses drivers who often misjudge oncoming traffic, which leads to dangerous situations.
“It's a little bit dangerous over here," one man riding a bike said. "Cars try to beat the light when it turns yellow."
Residents who live a few blocks down on Herzel at Wellwood Avenue in North Lindenhurst have also complained about traffic safety and increased crashes.
Earlier this month, a spokesperson for the DOT said the intersection meets all state and federal standards.
