Elmira, NY – Chemung County officials are urging state transportation leaders to reconsider plans to reduce lanes along the “Miracle Mile” stretch of State Route 14 in the Town of Horseheads. The proposal, part of an upcoming New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) pavement project, would convert the busy four-lane corridor into two lanes with added bike space.
According to a letter sent Thursday by County Executive Christopher Moss and Sheriff William Schrom, the county has “multiple concerns” with the reconfiguration. The letter cites a lack of analytical data supporting the change and warns that reducing lanes could increase congestion during peak hours and pose safety risks for cyclists.
Officials also noted that fewer lanes could disrupt traffic flow for buses and delivery trucks and push drivers onto nearby residential streets like Philo Road to avoid backups. While county leaders support efforts to improve roadway safety, they argue that the proposed “road diet” may “cause more issues than it would solve.”
Moss shared the correspondence publicly on Facebook, inviting residents, business owners, and commuters to share feedback with NYSDOT before the plan moves forward.
Community members can contact Marty Jackson, Public Information Coordinator for NYSDOT, at Marty.Jackson@dot.ny.gov to provide input on the project.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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