NEW BERLIN – An infamous section of state Route 8, where sharp curves have earned such colloquial names as “Pancake Knoll” and “Deadman’s Curve,” has grown even more perilous in recent years as traffic in the area has spiked.
Authorities have noticed an increase in the number of motor vehicle accidents and tractor trailer rollovers which have occurred within the 3.4 mile segment of Route 8 outside of the Hamlet South New Berlin and just above its intersection with county Road 32 between the physical addresses of 3200 and 2700. Though the road has always been dangerous, especially to drivers unfamiliar with it, there have been few physical changes made to it and so the increase in accidents can only be attributed the steady increase in traffic. And while some of the traffic increase can be attributed to the growth of the Chobani factory outside of South Edmeston – the destination of a number of the independent haulers who tip their loads on Route 8 – many officials agree that the volume of traffic has increased in general. For instance, of the two major accidents which have occurred on Route 8 this year, the most recent was a large cattle carrier heading through the area which tipped over approximately two months ago.
In the years of 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, six general motor vehicle accidents occurred per year on the 3.4 mile segment of Route 8 in question. In 2011, seven motor vehicle accidents occurred, while in 2012 another nine took place. So far this year? Another pair of accidents. Between 2012 and 2013, the South New Berlin Fire Department responded to more accidents specifically in that area than on average, reported Chenango County Chief Dispatcher A. Jones.
“There are three areas near the ‘S’ curve where a number of accidents have occurred,” said Jones who also noted that there has been an increase in the number of tractor trailer and related type of vehicle accidents in that area.
“Traffic has increased dramatically so there are going to be more accidents,” said New Berlin Supervisor Ross Iannello. “The increase in traffic has been partly due to Chobani, but it has been increasing over the years anyway.”
Despite receiving very few complaints about Route 8, the New York State Department of Transportation has taken notice of the vast number of accidents which occur outside of South New Berlin and reportedly are making an effort to address the problem.
“Safety of the traveling public is always a top priority for the DOT,” said DOT Region 9 Public Information Officer Dave Hamburg. “We recognize that accidents have increased proportionally to the increase in traffic on State Route 8.”
In an effort to alleviate the current issues with the segment of Route 8 in question, the DOT is conducting a survey to identify needs.
“We have improved signing on a curve in South New Berlin, and improved shoulder edges through curves in White Store,” added Hamburg, who said the DOT will also be installing centerline rumble strips on Route 8 during the summer as well as looking into making improvements at the intersection of Route 8 and County Road 35. The speed limits in this area of Route 8 are also currently being reviewed.
A meeting between the planning departments of Chenango and Otsego Counties is scheduled for June 25 and the issues with Route 8 will be a topic of discussion.
“We will be there to listen and gather information,” said Hamburg, referring to DOT officials who are in a position to effect changes.
According to South New Berlin Fire Chief Kevin Christian, the South New Berlin Fire Department has responded to approximately 30 tractor trailer accidents on state Highway 23 and Route 8 in the past three years, with approximately 95 percent of those accidents taking place on Route 8.
According to Christian, the main cause for the accidents on Route 8 is driver error, as many of the tractor trailer drivers are independent haulers who are not from the area and are unfamiliar with the twists and turns of Route 8. While some have sought to lay the blame for the haulers’ mistakes on the company which has contracted their services, Christian – arguably the most informed authority on the subject – disagrees.
“It's not Chobani’s fault,” said Christian. “It's the sharp turns.”
The DOT has already raised the height of signs along that 3.4 mile segment of Route 8 as well as reducing the suggested speed on curves to 35 mph. In Christian’s opinion, however, these changes have not fully addressed the problem. Instead, he suggests the installation of lighted traffic signs or flashing warning signs to impress upon drives unfamiliar with the road the possibility of danger. Still, in Christian’s opinion, the most effective solution would be to actually straighten the more dangerous segments of Route 8.
“With the number of accidents which have been going on, the DOT should be taking more extreme action instead of just gradually building up,” he said.
Christian is also skeptical as to how effective the construction of centerline rumble strips will be as the majority of the tractor trailer accidents which have occurred either involved vehicles going off the road on the right hand side of the lane or when tractor trailers enter into a curve going too fast and experience a load shifting, all things which rumble strips – designed to wake up slumbering drivers – ineffectually address.