Travelers who take the Route 17 on-ramp to Route 9 North might be seeing changes in the future.
This area has the highest frequency of crashes in the state, according to the state Department of Transportation. There have been more than 100 crashes every year for the past five.
“I take it every day to work. It’s horrible,” Olivia Henderson said.
To enhance safety in the area, the DOT is now working on a conceptual plan. Here is how it breaks down:
- Widen the existing bridge immediately north of the stop-controlled on-ramp to accommodate a full length acceleration lane
- Relocate the intersection of Union Street, Harbor Drive and River Road, which is currently located under the bridge, east across Sumner Brook
- Build two new bridges and realign the three intersecting roadways.
- Close the existing on-ramp to Route 9 north at the end of Harbor Drive and transform it into a local access road with on-street parking.
Right now, the plan is not definite, but drivers said they are glad the though process has started.
“I am glad they are acknowledging it, 'cause it really should be fixed,” Henderson said.
The DOT will hold a public information meeting on Tuesday, Sept 23. It starts at 6:30 pm at Middletown City Hall.
