For Immediate Release: December 18, 2006

THRUWAY AUTHORITY PARTNERS WITH DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
AND TOWN OF PHELPS TO IMPROVE PARK-AND-RIDE LOT AT INTERCHANGE 42

The New York State Thruway Authority and the New York State Department of Transportation today announced the completion of a temporary park-and-ride lot near Thruway Interchange 42 (Geneva, Route 14) in the Town of Phelps, Ontario County.

“The Thruway Authority is pleased to announce the completion of the temporary park-and-ride lot at Interchange 42, which will provide Thruway customers convenient and easily accessible parking,” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer.  “In working with our partners at the Department of Transportation, in addition to Senator Nozzolio, Assemblymen Kolb and Oaks, and the Town of Phelps, not only has additional parking for commuters been made available it also encourages fuel conservation and carpooling to reduce congestion.”

“This project is a great example of partnering with our sister agency and the Town to improve an area that can be used by a couple dozen motorists to park their vehicles and carpool to work,” said Department of Transportation Regional Director Kevin O’Buckley. “Carpooling is a great way to save fuel and reduce congestion on the roads. I encourage more people to take advantage of the benefits these and other carpool lots offer.” 

“This new and improved service in the Town of Phelps will be extremely convenient for commuters,” said State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio. “The park-and-ride lot is perfectly located near the Thruway and will promote carpooling, helping to reduce congestion on our roadways.  Many improvements have been made to the parking lot and I am extremely pleased with how the project turned out.”

“I am pleased that the Thruway Authority and the Department of Transportation are teaming up together, at the request of Senator Nozzolio, Assemblyman Oaks, and myself to provide this important park-and-ride lot,” said Assemblyman Brian M. Kolb.  “I would like to encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity to carpool when the opportunity arises; thus in turn promoting energy fuel efficiency, lowering our demand on foreign oil, and overall supporting a healthier, cleaner environment for our entire Finger Lakes Region.”

“People who leave their vehicles will notice immediately the significant changes to the parking surface and the better drainage,” said Assemblyman Bob Oaks. “I appreciate both the New York State Department of Transportation’s and the Thruway Authority’s positive response to our request to improve the conditions at this park-and-ride lot. This is an excellent first step toward building a more permanent facility in the future to serve Geneva, Lyons, Phelps and the surrounding area.

“People have utilized the existing space as a parking area for years, and it has difficult for the Town to maintain the road,” said Town of Phelps Supervisor Norman Teed. “Widening the area will make it a lot safer for everyone involved. The Town supports the improvements wholeheartedly.”

The existing parking area, maintained by the Town of Phelps, on Junius Station Road off of Route 14 has been used as a carpool lot for several years.  The lot served about a dozen vehicles and suffered from poor drainage. The improved lot provides space for approximately 35 vehicles.

This parking area improvement project was a coordinated effort shared by the Thruway Authority, Department of Transportation and the Town of Phelps. The Thruway Authority provided millings from a paving project and hauled away waste materials. Additionally, the Department of Transportation provided personnel and equipment to place gravel and installed adequate drainage; the Town also provided necessary equipment and will continue to maintain the lot.
 

In addition, the Department of Transportation is in the process of securing funding and planning for a permanent park-and-ride lot with amenities near Interchange 42.

A complete listing of commuter park-and-ride lots along the Thruway is available on the Authority’s website www.nysthruway.gov, and then by clicking on “Traveler Information,” and then selecting “Commuter Park and Ride Lots.”

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