The Town of Ramapo has implemented a new traffic pattern along Route 306 in an effort to reduce the significant congestion caused by the ongoing sidewalk construction project between Rita Avenue and Ralph Boulevard.
The changes went into effect at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, following several days of lengthy traffic backups in the area.
Under the new traffic plan, northbound Route 306 traffic is closed within the active work zone and is being detoured right onto Rita Avenue, left onto Jill Lane, and then left onto Kearsing Parkway before returning to Route 306. Southbound Route 306 remains open through the construction zone.
Rita Avenue, Ralph Boulevard, and Ashel Lane will be restricted to local residents, buses, and emergency vehicles traveling toward Route 306. Officials say the changes are intended to keep traffic moving while allowing crews to continue work on the long-awaited sidewalk project.
Following days of heavy traffic backups, Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht directed Community Liaison to the Town of Ramapo, Yossi (Josef) Margaretten, to work with Town officials, the Village of Kaser, Ramapo Police, and construction personnel to develop a traffic management plan aimed at easing congestion along the Route 306 construction corridor. The resulting traffic pattern was implemented Wednesday afternoon and is designed to improve traffic flow while allowing the sidewalk project to move forward as quickly as possible.
“This project has created substantial traffic challenges for residents and motorists traveling through the area,” Specht told Monsey Scoop. “Working together with the Village of Kaser, our public safety partners, and the construction team, we developed a practical traffic management plan aimed at keeping Route 306 moving while allowing this important sidewalk project to continue safely.”
Specht acknowledged the inconvenience but emphasized that the project is necessary and that officials are working to complete it as quickly as possible.
“We understand the frustration caused by the traffic delays, but this is an important infrastructure project that needs to be completed,” Specht told Monsey Scoop. “We’re exploring every reasonable option to move the work along as quickly as possible, including Saturday work when feasible. Overnight construction would cost roughly three times as much and place a significant burden on taxpayers. At the end of the day, this work has to get done, and we’re committed to getting it done as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
Construction is taking place from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Officials noted that there will be no work or road closures on Fridays. While crews will attempt to work on some Saturdays to help accelerate the project, overnight construction is not being considered due to the significantly higher cost to taxpayers.
Ramapo Police officers will continue assisting with traffic control and monitoring conditions throughout the construction area, while emergency vehicles will maintain access through the work zone.
The sidewalk project, which has been long anticipated by local residents, is expected to continue through mid-August and is intended to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility along Route 306.
Monsey Scoop would also like to clarify information previously published regarding the project. Last week, Monsey Scoop reported that the construction was solely a New York State project and not a Town of Ramapo project. Town officials later advised Monsey Scoop that the project is a coordinated effort involving both New York State and the Town of Ramapo. Officials indicated that a miscommunication led to the earlier confusion, and Monsey Scoop is pleased to provide this updated information to readers.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time, follow posted detours, and obey directions from law enforcement personnel while traveling through the area.
