Are the New Signs at the Route 9 Arterial Actually Working?

It might be too early to start celebrating, but I couldn't believe my eyes this morning when I drove through the Route 9 arterial in Poughkeepsie.

I've been part of the chorus of Hudson Valley commuters complaining about the confusion and danger that the small stretch of road can create for years. Finally, someone did something about it.

Problems at the Route 9 Arterial in Poughkeepsie, NY

To be clear, someone did something about one of the problems at the arterial. While out-of-towners will likely still be bewildered by the myriad signs directing drivers in every direction, at least some might finally stop breaking the law.

New Signs Installed at Route 9 Arterial

The new signs that were installed earlier in the week are related to exit ramp traffic yielding to vehicles on Route 9. Not only were the signs relocated to a more visible position (below), but additional signage advertising the lack of a merging area were added as well.

Initially I was pessimistic about the project. Surely a sign wouldn't be enough to keep exit ramp traffic from blatantly ignoring oncoming traffic and the rules of right-of-way. This morning, however, the arterial looked different (below).

Instead of the common sight of vehicles clogging the arterial, blocking vehicles on Route 9 from entering the ramps, the tiny merge area was actually free of traffic (feel free to gasp). While the signs have only been installed for 24 hours, it seems like they're actually working.

Read More: Hudson Valley, Say Goodbye to the Best Cider Donuts in the World

I'll hold final judgement until there's some more data, but the early results are promising. Not only does the lack of yielding create dangerous scenarios on the road, but it's a driving infraction punishable by a fine as high as $450.

Get our free mobile app

If this small step is successful, the next experiment could be even bigger, like installing the new "wrong way detectors" being used by other highway departments across the country. Check out which other New York roads could use some safety enhancements below.