State to Review Dangerous Stretch of Taconic Parkway

Following a tragic crash May 14 that claimed four lives and left one critically injured on the Taconic State Parkway, the New York State Department of Transportation has agreed to review safety conditions along a hazardous stretch of road.

The corridor in question runs from the Saw Mill River Parkway interchange to Miller Hill Road – a section long plagued by serious accidents.

At about 4:45 p.m. May 14, a Ram ProMaster van operated by a New Jersey resident headed southbound crossed the center median into the northbound lanes and collided head-on with a Honda Accord driven by a Granite Springs resident.

The impact caused the van to overturn and catch fire. Three passengers were pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver was in critical condition for a period of time.

The driver of the Accord was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

In a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul and DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez, Assemblyman Matt Slater, R-Yorktown, urged a comprehensive safety assessment including an analysis of the last 10 years of crash data and a review of existing infrastructure like guardrails, signage, rumble strips, and roadway visibility.

On June 17, NYSDOT responded: “New York State Department of Transportation professionals will review the most recent 10 years of crash data and evaluate whether safety enhancements are appropriate either as corridor-wide or site-specific treatments. Due to the size of this study, it is anticipated the completion of this review could take as long as nine to 12 months.”

“This is great news for the communities along the Taconic that have long demanded action,” said Slater. “Too many lives have been lost on this road. I’m grateful to NYSDOT for taking this request seriously and look forward to working with them as they conduct this much-needed review.”

Additional measures include enhanced signage on exit ramps to prevent wrong-way driving and a broader review of curves and ramps as part of NYSDOT’s Roadway Departure Safety Action Plan. Signage improvements will be implemented where needed.

“This is great news for all New Yorkers who travel the Taconic State Parkway,” said Putnam Valley Town Supervisor Jacqueline Annabi. “The TSP has a reputation for being the most dangerous parkway. I am grateful our assemblyman and DOT see the seriousness and will be making life-saving changes.”

NYSDOT also confirmed an ongoing study of the Taconic between Pines Bridge Road and Route 100 in New Castle, expected to be completed within two to three months. In the interim, the department is installing shoulder rumble strips and inlaid pavement markings to improve long-term visibility.