BAINBRIDGE – State and local officials were on hand in Bainbridge Tuesday to dedicate the first roundabout in Chenango County. The new traffic circle is part of a roughly $5.3 million project which involved construction of a new bridge and the continuation of water and sewer lines across the Susquehanna River.
New York State Senator Thomas Libous, who worked closely with local officials and helped secure federal and state funding for the project, was on hand along with representatives from the New York State Department of Transportation.
Town Supervisor Rick E. Chase began the dedication ceremony by taking the time to thank those responsible for making the project happen. “This entire project ... involved many players,” he said.
Before turning over the podium to Libous, Chase expressed his appreciation to the senator for his financial support of the project, former Bainbridge Supervisor Hugh Kearney for his efforts to move the project forward and the town’s residents for their patience.
“Today is about safety. Safety and economic development,” said Libous. The state senator said that Kearney initially contacted him about the project because the town was concerned about the number of accidents that were occurring at the intersection of state Rt. 206 and county Rt. 39 and was looking to encourage business development.
“Part of the strategic plan for the town of Bainbridge was to develop on this side of the river,” said Kearney. Getting water and sewer lines across the river was an obstacle to that development.
“Many times government does things backward,” said Libous, detailing how Bainbridge was an exception because of what he called the “sweat equity” of local business people and elected officials.
In his remarks, Dave Hamburg, the New York State Department of Transportation’s regional representative, referred to the roundabout as a “beautiful gateway to this great community.”
“The roundabout and bridge will be a source of great pride to this community for years to come,” he said.
According to Hamburg, the DOT had the traffic circle in mind recently when they purchased a new piece of equipment. The purchase was that of a new plow, which is smaller than others currently used by the state highway crews.
“It will make it a lot safer and a lot easier to plow the roundabout,” said Hamburg, stressing that the equipment was not purchased solely for use at that location.
Hamburg joined Chase, Kearney and Libous to raise the New York State flag beside the American flag in the center of the roundabout to conclude the ceremony.
Despite some initial opposition to the project and a bit of a learning curve as drivers experienced the roundabout for the first time, Bainbridge Highway Superintendent Gary Richman is positive about the finished product.
“I think most people that were against it have changed their minds,” said Richman. “It’s a nice addition to Bainbridge.”
According to Bainbridge Police Chief Casey Caratelli, the traffic circle has alleviated “rush hour” congestion when large employers in Sidney let out for the day.
“There is a huge influx of people,” said Caratelli. “[The roundabout] has lightened traffic flow immensely.”
Although the circle is technically outside of Caratelli’s village jurisdiction, he said he was unaware of any traffic incidents since it opened.