Following a tragic crash on May 14 that claimed four lives and left one critically injured, Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) has secured a commitment from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to review safety conditions along a hazardous stretch of the Taconic State Parkway. The corridor in question runs from the Saw Mill River Parkway interchange to Miller Hill Road—a section long plagued by serious accidents.

In a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul and DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez, Slater 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 (NYSDOT) 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 that 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.”

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.

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.

Yorktown Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman said, “I particularly thank Assemblyman Slater for spearheading this initiative. I also thank the New York State Department of Transportation for acknowledging the need for this safety assessment of the Taconic State Parkway. There have been quite a few fatal accidents on the stretch of road, and we would like to hopefully find some solutions to make it safer for all.”

Somers Town Supervisor Robert Scorrano said, “I want to thank Assemblyman Slater and all involved agencies for finally hearing our call and recognizing the urgent need to address the dangers along the Taconic State Parkway. This is a critical first step toward making this roadway safer for everyone. Our community has waited far too long for action, and while we’re grateful for the progress, we will remain engaged and vigilant to ensure that meaningful improvements are delivered without delay.”

Putnam Valley Town Supervisor Jacqueline Annabi said, “This is great news for all New Yorkers who travel the Taconic State Parkway. 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.”

Read the letter from DOT here.