414 speed reductions don't include falls

HECTOR--The state department of transportation has reduced the speed limit on sections of Route 414 in Hector following years of concerns by residents. The narrow road, ever-increasing visitor traffic and distractions behind the wheel are all contributors to the driving conditions on 414. While local officials and many citizens have welcomed the changes, Supervisor Alvin White said there is a general consensus that the changes do not go far enough.
"Our residents have been trying for years to get some sort of speed limit reduction so we formed a committee six years ago and finally we had some success," White said. "I'm not saying it's as much as we would have liked but we got some reductions."
As it stands the area from Tug Hollow/County Route 5 to Wilkinson Road has been reduced to 50 miles per hour, Wilkinson Road to just north of the Dandy Mart is reduced to 45 m.p.h., and north of the Dandy to Valois is 50 m.p.h. When it comes to the speed limit of 414, White said the matter is entirely controlled by the DOT who initially showed hesitation at lowering the speed limit.
"We finally got this - because they told us for a long time they wouldn't reduce the speed limit - and they finally agreed," White said. "I appreciate what they have done but wish it was more."
The issue once again came to the forefront following the death of a six-year-old child from New Jersey who was struck by a motorist on Route 414, July 3. However, the section of the road by the Hector Falls, where there is a marked parking area with additional shoulder room, did not see a speed limit change.
"We will continue to try to work with the DOT, and with recent events up there we would like to work with them to see if there is anything we can do to improve that section as well," White said of the Hector Falls area of 414.
White remarked he was disappointed there was no change made to the speed limit by Hector Falls due to the fact that so many tourists and sightseers tend to pull over to grab photos with very little room available.
"We wanted some reductions in the Hector Falls area, something down there because that area definitely has issues and has always been a concern of our people," White stated. "But again we do not have control over it."
Another issue on 414 that gives White pause is the fact that many people are on the road for the first time and tend to slow down, stop or make sudden unexpected turns. On areas of the road with a very limited sight distance, these actions can lead to accidents.
And while White repeatedly said he was pleased that any result was achieved in persuading the DOT to reduce speed limits on 414, he added that he would not stop trying.
"This is not an issue we are finished by any means," White said.