New Update on Staggering ‘Mile-Long’ Traffic Light in Hudson Valley

A detour in the Hudson Valley has been plaguing local residents for months... Luckily, an end may finally be in sight. A new update has been shared on the project, and many local drivers (myself included) are eager to put the "mile-long light" behind them.

I live in Newburgh and work in Poughkeepsie, NY, which means that when I want to take the scenic way to work, I drive the picturesque 44/55. The route takes me by rolling fields, the horse parade at Rocking Horse Ranch, and since May, a mile-long line at a temporary traffic light. While the project was originally slated to wrap up in September, work still continues. Thankfully, the Town of Lloyd, NY has updated its completion estimates.

Temporary Traffic Light at Highland, NY Intersection

In May 2023, a temporary traffic light meant to handle the extra vehicles following a construction detour in the Town of Lloyd, NY was installed where 44/55 (Vineyard Ave) meets Chapel Hill Rd. While lines of traffic were somewhat understandable in the project's infancy back in May (above), the detour traffic has continued well past the original date of the project's completion (below).

Will the Temporary Chapel Hill Rd Traffic Light Become Permanent?

Town of Lloyd Supervisor David Plavchak originally shared his wish to make the temporary light permanent after the construction was finished and the detour was lifted. While many drivers (myself included) would appreciate a traffic signal over a stop sign at the busy intersection, the traffic itself won't be alleviated until the project is done.

New Update to Town of Lloyd, NY Construction Detour

The Town of Lloyd now estimates the construction will finish "prior to this coming winter", according to its Resident Engineer Peter McCourt. While the new date is more of an estimation, the town has been more than forthcoming with specific project details (below).

The blame for the massive line of traffic can almost solely be placed on the current detour. While lines on Chapel Hill Rd. have piled up to nearly a mile in length, the majority of the traffic all continues to follow the detour route once the light turns green. An optimist would hope that the combination of completed construction and the transition of the temporary traffic signal into a permanent one would be a boon for all Hudson Valley commuters, no matter which town was their final destination.