MID-HUDSON, NY — Following a troubling pattern of deadly accidents along the Taconic State Parkway (TSP), the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has announced plans to conduct a comprehensive safety study of the roadway. The initiative comes after renewed calls for action by local leaders and concerned residents.
Stretching through northern Westchester, Putnam, and southern Dutchess counties, the TSP has long been considered one of the more hazardous highways in the region. Its narrow lanes, sharp curves, and limited shoulders have made it notorious among drivers and first responders alike.
A Deadly Year on the TSP
The urgency for action escalated in May 2024, when four people died after their vehicle overturned and caught fire in New Castle. In the weeks that followed, additional fatalities occurred in Putnam Valley and Kent, further highlighting the critical need for safety improvements.
These tragic incidents prompted Assemblyman Matt Slater (R, Yorktown) to formally request a thorough safety assessment from Governor Kathy Hochul and NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. Slater urged the agency to review 10 years of crash data and examine key safety features such as guardrails, road signage, rumble strips, and visibility conditions along the parkway.
DOT Commits to Extensive Review
In response, the DOT confirmed it will conduct a deep analysis of crash trends over the past decade. The review will determine whether safety enhancements are needed—either corridor-wide or site-specific—and will include infrastructure assessments and roadway condition evaluations.
Due to the complexity and length of the parkway, the DOT estimates that the review process will take nine to twelve months to complete.
“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 the NYSDOT for taking this request seriously and look forward to working with them as they conduct this much-needed review.”
Local Leaders Voice Support
Local officials have echoed Slater’s sentiments. Putnam Valley Supervisor Jacqueline Annabi welcomed the news, saying, “The TSP has a reputation for being a most dangerous parkway. I am grateful our Assemblyman and DOT see the seriousness and will be making life-saving changes.”
Residents who travel the TSP regularly have also long advocated for safety upgrades. Some have suggested lowering speed limits in hazardous sections, increasing police patrols, or even reconfiguring certain stretches to better accommodate modern traffic volumes.
What Comes Next
While no immediate changes are expected during the review period, the study’s findings could pave the way for significant infrastructure improvements, enhanced signage, or realignment of dangerous curves.
The TSP’s design dates back to the 1930s and 1940s—when traffic volume and vehicle speed were far lower than they are today. Over the years, many critics have argued that the road has not kept pace with the demands of modern driving.
With the state’s top transportation experts now involved, local leaders and residents are hopeful that this review marks the beginning of a safer future for one of the Hudson Valley’s most infamous highways.
In the meantime, drivers are encouraged to use extra caution on the Taconic, especially in areas known for limited visibility or tight turns.
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