News

DOT to implement visibility upgrades at Ithaca intersection

DOT to implement visibility upgrades at Ithaca intersection

Photo: Saga Communications


ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – The New York State Department of Transportation is addressing issues at an intersection in Ithaca.

Earlier this year, Tompkins County Legislator John Hunt contacted the DOT after constituents raised safety concerns about the intersection of Pine Tree Road and NYS Route 79.

For years, residents have complained about visibility and the traffic signal at the intersection, particularly when making a left turn from Pine Tree Road onto Route 79. Many have argued that the traffic signal, which is a flashing red light for drivers on Pine Tree Road and a flashing yellow light for drivers on Route 79, should be changed.

At the October 6 meeting of the Tompkins County Legislature, Hunt shared that the DOT recently completed a study of the intersection.

“Basically, the conclusion was, while there haven’t been any accidents at the intersection for several years, they are doing some things to make visibility somewhat better,” Hunt said. “I know when you come down to the bottom of the hill on Pine Tree at 79, sometimes it’s hard to see to your left, to the east, and I think they’ve already, as of today, cut down quite a bit more of the vegetation that was blocking the view.”

Hunt said more signage will be installed near the intersection, but no additional upgrades are expected.

“The light itself is not going to be changed at this point,” added Hunt.

You can watch the full Oct. 6 meeting of the Tompkins County Legislature here.

Recent Headlines

3 hours ago in Entertainment, Trending

Russell Brand is sentenced to 10 1/2 years in a British prison for rape and sexual assault

Russell Brand was sentenced Monday to 10 1/2 years in prison for raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others during a period when his comedy career built around boasts of erotic exploits was taking off.

3 hours ago in Sports, Trending

In a wide-open NFL, trade deadline is an opportunity for a few teams to get a big boost

The NFL is wide open at the season's midpoint. The trade deadline will give teams an opportunity to separate themselves from the pack, especially in a season when several teams are in the mix for a Super Bowl run.

3 days ago in Entertainment, Music, Trending

25 years after ‘Britney,’ 5 new Britney Spears songs showcase a pop icon at a transformative moment

Legacy Recordings on Friday is releasing "Britney (25th Anniversary Edition)," an expanded reissue of her pivotal record, which went quadruple platinum in less than two months. The collection features two remixes and five previously unreleased songs from that era, her first new (or is it old?) music since she announced she would "never return to the music industry" in a 2024 Instagram post.

4 days ago in Sports, Trending

Cristiano Ronaldo announces his international retirement from Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo won't play for Portugal anymore, ending on Thursday a career that spanned six World Cups and included a European title and the men's all-time international scoring record.

4 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Everything you need to know about the 2026 Latin Grammy Awards. Here’s how to watch

The 2026 Latin Grammy Awards are right around the corner. Are you ready? If not, no problema. Here's everything you need to know about watching the 2026 Latin Grammys, including how to stream the show and where you can see music's biggest stars walking the red carpet.