New York (WRGB) — Governor Hochul announced more than $32 million in new funding to help local governments upgrade roadway safety and reduce deadly crashes caused by vehicles drifting out of their lanes.

According to the release, the investment. part of the New York State Department of Transportation’s “Safe System” approach toward achieving zero deaths on state highways, will support the installation of new guide rails, improved signage, pavement markings, rumble strips and other upgrades in communities statewide.

According to the state, 44% of crash fatalities in New York involve a vehicle leaving its lane.

Hochul said,

Keeping New Yorkers safe is my highest priority as Governor and that includes making every effort to improve safety on our roads for drivers and pedestrians. This funding gives local governments the resources they need to save lives by implementing improvements that keep drivers more aware and reduce instances where they stray from lanes, which can often have deadly consequences. One death on our roads is too many, and we will continue to invest in proven solutions to enhance safety and achieve our goal of zero deaths on New York’s roads.

The funding is backed by the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Safety Improvement Program and complements an additional $90 million previously set aside for improvements on state-owned highways.

Where the money is going

Projects receiving funding include:

Capital Region – $4.5 million

  • Rensselaer County: $1.4M for line striping, flashing beacons and speed signage in East Greenbush
  • Saratoga County: $900K for curve signage and shoulder improvements in Ballston
  • Warren County: $1.3M for guide rails and curve safety upgrades in multiple towns
  • Washington County: $500K for new lane markings and warning signs in Cambridge, Fort Edward and Greenwich
  • Columbia County: $400K for new guide rail in Claverack and Greenport

North Country – $1.6 million

  • Improvements in Essex, Franklin and Lewis counties

Mohawk Valley – $3.6 million

  • Multiple roadway upgrades in Herkimer, Oneida, Otsego counties

Finger Lakes – $200,000

  • Safety upgrades in East Rochester

Western New York – $7.7 million

  • Shoulder improvements and curve warning signs across Erie and Niagara counties

Long Island – $7.0 million

  • Rumble strips, guide rails and markings along major Suffolk County corridors

New York City – $7.5 million

  • Guide rails, lighting and lane improvements on the Henry Hudson and Hutchinson River Parkways

NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said,

Reducing fatalities and serious injuries on our highways is the goal of our ‘Safe System Approach Toward Zero Deaths’ and thanks to the unwavering support of Governor Hochul we are moving closer to achieving it. Even one death on our roads is too many and the funding we are providing to our local partners will create safer streets in every region of the state, making it more likely that motorists will arrive at their destinations safely and without incident.

Lawmakers and local leaders say the upgrades will help reduce serious crashes and keep drivers more alert behind the wheel.