After Death of Resident, New Traffic Light Will be Installed

The Hampton Bays Beautification Association has won its fight to have a traffic light installed at the intersection of Montauk Highway and Canoe Place Road in Hampton Bays.

On Tuesday, Suffolk County Legislator Jay Schneiderman announced that a safety review of the intersection revealed that the intersection is dangerous and that a light should be installed.

“Traffic volume continues to increase in this area and a traffic light will make this intersection much safer for drivers and pedestrians,” said Schniderman.

Beautification Committee members put out an urgent call for a traffic light for the intersection in November 2011 after one of their own, Jeanette Kelly, 84, died at the location when her car was broadsided by a van at the cross-roads.

At that time, the Town of Southampton reported that over the past three years and nine months, there have been nine accidents at the intersection, involving 18 cars. Three people were injured in those accidents, not including the accident in which Kelly was killed.

Southampton Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst said she believes the new light will make the intersection safer for everyone. She also thanked the members of the Beautification Committee for stepping forward and taking action.

The light will be installed in early 2014, according to Schneiderman.