Directs the commissioner of transportation to conduct a study on the implementation of traffic control devices at intersections with a high volume of visual and hearing impaired pedestrians

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Burdick and 7 co-sponsors

Directs NY DOT to study traffic control devices at intersections with high volumes of visually or hearing-impaired pedestrians to improve safety and accessibility.

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION

Overview

Bill Number: A 2546

Title: Directs the commissioner of transportation to conduct a study on the implementation of traffic control devices at intersections with a high volume of visual and hearing impaired pedestrians

Status: Referred to Transportation

Introduced: January 17, 2025

Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The bill directs the New York State Commissioner of Transportation to conduct a study focused on the use and implementation of traffic control devices at specific intersections. Specifically, the study targets intersections with a high volume of pedestrians who are visually or hearing impaired.

The underlying goal is to assess how traffic control devices could be implemented to improve safety and accessibility for these pedestrians, informing future policy or installation decisions.

Key Provisions (as stated)

Mandate to Study: The core provision requires the DOT commissioner to undertake a study evaluating the feasibility, design considerations, and potential implementation of traffic control devices at targeted intersections.

The bill text provided does not specify:

The exact scope or methodology of the study (e.g., which devices would be evaluated or what data would be collected).
Any mandatory implementation or timelines for completing the study.
Reporting requirements or deadlines to the Legislature.

Because the summary only reflects the directive to study, the bill does not itself authorize installation or funding.

Who Would Be Affected

Primary Subject: The New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) would conduct the study.

Stakeholders Considered by the Study: Pedestrians who are visually or hearing impaired, at intersections identified as having high volumes of such pedestrians, and potentially other road users who interact with traffic control devices.

Local governments or municipalities may be indirectly affected if the study's findings lead to local-level changes or funding needs, though this is not specified in the bill.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Legislative Action to Date:

2025-01-17: Referred to Transportation (listed twice in the provided record, likely a duplicate entry).

Sponsorship:

Primary sponsor: Nader Sayegh
Co-sponsors: MaryJane Shimsky, Linda Rosenthal, Chris Burdick, Scott Gray, Jaime R. Williams, Joe DeStefano, Catalina Cruz

Related/Companion Legislation:

Related Assembly measures: A 7205, A 2430, A 102 (prior-session)
Companion Senate measure: S 7565 (listed as companion)

Next Steps: If advanced, the bill would typically proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the chamber to which it is assigned, followed by consideration by the other house if passed.

Potential Impacts and Implications

Accessibility and Safety: If the study identifies effective traffic control devices or strategies, recommendations could lead to improved safety and accessibility for visually and hearing impaired pedestrians at high-traffic intersections.

Policy and Funding Considerations: Findings may prompt future legislation, rulemaking, or budget requests to pilot or deploy recommended devices.

Equity and Compliance: The bill signals legislative interest in addressing accessibility barriers at intersections, aligning with broader accessibility goals.

Bill