Another Accident On Route 7

submitted by Rich Crist, Majority Legislative Liaison
The latest accident this week on State Route 7 in Hoosick is leading to renewed calls by Vice Chairman of the Legislature Stan Brownell and Legislator Lester Goodermote for a State review of safety conditions on the road.
[private]A multi-car accident on Route 7 in the Potter Hill area caused a shutdown of the road for approximately one half hour. Ambulances responded to the scene, but the extent of the injuries was unclear.
“We continue to ask for a review of safety conditions on Route 7 because we are concerned about the frequency of accidents and the possibility of a real tragedy occurring on this road,” said Goodermote.
The two lawmakers, who represent eastern Rensselaer County in the County Legislature, have made several requests for a safety review following a number of incidents involving accidents or rollovers with tanker trucks. Requests have also been made following multi-car accidents like the one on Friday.
In the incidents involving rollovers or accidents involving tanker trucks, large amounts of fuel have been dumped along the roadside or into nearby creeks and streams. In 2011, a propane tanker left the road and burned in a ravine.
State Route 7 is a major road, starting in the County in Troy and travelling through several communities to the northeastern section of the County.
“Many, many motorists and businesses depend on State Route 7 every day, and we want the road to be as safe as possible, as well as convenient and accessible,” said Brownell.
The Legislators said they would like a review to include a look at lighting, speed conditions, visibility and signage on the section of State Route 7 through the Town of Hoosick. Brownell and Goodermote said they plan on renewing the request for a safety review of State Route 7 at a meeting this fall of the County Legislature.[/private]