The “Wrong Way Task Force” made its first trek along the southbound Bronx River Parkway, after a brief pause during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Made up of Westchester citizens and elected officials, the group began at the Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla and made their way to Yonkers reviewing the signage and messaging along the County owned and patrolled Bronx River Parkway.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “This task force is charged with taking inventory of potential problem zones. We know not everyone traveling the parkway is familiar with the area, so we want the signs to be clear and visible for motorists to safely get to their destination.”
The “Wrong Way Task Force” stopped at every exit, taking notes on recommendations, including trimming brush where signs were obscured. So far this year, 104 new signs were installed along the Bronx River Parkway and additional pavement arrows were placed on dozens of exit ramps.
In 2020, there were 35 wrong way driver emergency calls along the entire County parkway system (Hutchinson River Parkway, Bronx River Parkway, Saw Mill River Parkway and Cross County Parkway), and 7 motor vehicle accidents resulting from a wrong way driver.
In 2021, there have been 26 wrong-way driver calls throughout the County parkway system, resulting in 4 motor vehicle accidents. On the Bronx River Parkway this year, there have been three wrong-way incident, none of which resulted in an accident.
Department of Public Works and Transportation Commissioner Hugh Greechan said: “I am delighted to have a fresh perspective from the Bronx River Parkway Wrong Way Task Force to supplement the extensive sign and pavement marking improvements my Department has implemented over the past year.”
Department of Environmental Facilities Deputy Commissioner Erin O’Shea chairs the task force and said: “These recommendations could potentially lead to changes in the way we continue operating, maintaining and patrolling the Bronx River Parkway. We want drivers to feel safe and informed behind the wheel as they travel through Westchester County. Their safety is of the utmost priority of this task force.”
The next meeting of the task force is in September where the group will travel northbound on the Bronx River Parkway to examine exit and entrance ramps.