Bogardus closing forces new habits

Resident sees big impact on Taconic traffic

HOPEWELL JUNCTION -- Some Hopewell Junction residents, already complaining of too much traffic, will have to find new ways to access the Taconic State Parkway.

Bogardus Lane, which was closed July 11, is one of six road crossings the state Department of Transportation plans to temporarily close this summer. The Stormville Road median was closed Monday.

Nancy Mayer, who resides on Miller Road in the Town of Beekman, said the Bogardus closing has already created problems.

''Beekman Road is already backing up into the Taconic,'' she said, adding the area was already congested due to bridge work being performed on nearby Carpenter Road.

The DOT plans to close all the medians, barring left hand turns onto or off the Taconic, with the exception of Bogardus Lane, which has had all access to the Taconic closed off.

Dangerous location

Colleen McKenna, a DOT spokeswoman, cited the intersection's dangerous location in explaining why Bogardus Lane was completely shut down.

It was reported earlier only left hand turns at Bogardus Lane would be closed.

East Fishkill Town Supervisor Peter Idema said the closings of Stormville Road and Bogardus Lane, which he said had become a dumping ground for old carpets, refrigerators and other junk, were acceptable.

''I haven't heard any complaints from residents about the Bogardus Lane closing," Idema said Wednesday.

Town officials have questioned the DOT's plan to close the Carpenter, Arthursburg and Hosner Mountain Road medians.

Idema said the town has hired a law firm and traffic and planning experts and is looking into ways to prevent the closures.

The DOT decided to close the road medians after a May 29 fatal accident on Carpenter Road. A special task force is working on long-term solutions to safety issues concerning the Taconic.

Under the DOT's plan, the Todd Hill and Arthursburg Road medians in LaGrange will be closed the week of July 23.

The final median closures at Carpenter and Hosner Mountain roads, also in East Fishkill, are set for mid-to-late August.