could take 4-6 months for installation to be completed...school taxes due Monday...Veterans barbecue today
FINAL ACTION STEP TAKEN --BID AWARDED TO VERDI ELECTRIC TO INSTALL TRAFFIC LIGHT AT SPRAIN ROAD/ARDSLEY ROAD/ASHFORD AVENUE INTERSECTION--work could take 4-6 months to complete
It's been a long process but the Town Board finally took the final steps leading to the installation of a traffic light at the Sprain Road/Ardsley Road/Ashford Ave intersection. We awarded a bid to Verdi Electric Maintenance Corp for $397,037.78 on September 25th. We have been advised that it will take between 4-6 months for the light to be installed. However, underground work could start later this fall.
The light is a smart light. The traffic signal timing is more dynamic than older style systems. Newer controls allow greater flexibility with the timing and improved sensors also add to the dynamics of the signaling system. Last year we hired FP Clark of Rye to conduct a traffic count and to offer guidance to improve the safety of the intersection. They concluded that signalizing the intersection and providing pedestrian crossings could improve the safety at the intersection. We subsequently engaged Milone and McBroom, a professional engineering firm, to provided detailed plans and specifications to implement the proposal.
This light will provide traffic signals, pedestrian signals and crosswalks. Traffic will be monitored with the Grid Smart video vehicle detection system and the system will also include a preemption system for emergency vehicles. The grid smart systems offer a dynamic approach to traffic signalization, with greater flexibility to monitor and adjust signalization timing compared to older signalization control methods.
Only one company bid. We advertised the bid on Lohud and on the Bidnet bidding process and the town website. Bidnet advised that 18 firms looked at this project during the bidding process. We also contacted the Westchester County Department of Public Works Traffic and Engineering group and was advised that this is a typical result for traffic lights in the area. Westchester County also has signal maintenance contracts with Verde. Our consultant offered names of contractors in Connecticut who do this type of work. Upon contact, one contractor stated that they are not interested in any additional work right now. Two other contractors did not return calls. We also contacted contractors who picked up the project plans prior to the close of the bidding process. Two said it was not worth their effort since they would subcontract the work to Verdi. I also spoke with my colleagues (other Town Supervisors) who indicated that they also have contracted with Verdi--and were pleased with the work they do. Some mentioned that it's difficult to find contractors who want to deal with government because of the costs. The other contractors who deal with lights are located in Binghamton and Buffalo.
Friendly reminder: the first half of the school taxes are due Monday, September 30th. The town hall will be open Monday night till 7:00 PM. You can pay on line. The following is the link on our new town website. Don't forget since penalties and interest add up when you pay late.
https://greenburgh.municipaltaxpayments.com/
The annual Veterans Bar B Que dinner will be held tonight at Greenburgh's AF Veteran park from 5 PM to 7 PM. Great food, terrific entertainment from West Point, very few remarks, nice people to meet and share stories with. Veterans are invited to bring their families with them.
PAUL FEINER
