Construction is underway at the intersection of Route 155 and the entrance to Shaker High School to install a three-color traffic signal that will help ease congestion and enhance student safety.

August 22, 2007 – Work is underway to install a three-color traffic signal at the intersection of Route 155 and the entrance to Shaker High School.

"We hope it's going to ease some of the congestion, especially in the morning and afternoon when students and staff are arriving and departing," said Assistant Superintendent for Business Thomas J. Rybaltowski.

More than 230 student drivers, 300 faculty and staff members, as well as 40 school buses enter and exit the school each day, making the intersection extremely congested from 7 to 7:30 a.m. and 2:20 to
2:50 p.m.

"We have been fortunate that there have not been any major accidents," said Rybaltowski.

The Board of Education and administration have long sought to add a traffic signal at the intersection, but those efforts had been stymied by state law which prohibited the Department of Transportation (DOT) from paying for the installation of traffic signals at the entrances of schools. Although the cost was exorbitant, the district began earmarking some of its funds, as well as soliciting help from the Town and local Assemblyman Bob Reilly for the $340,000 project.

In August 2006, the district was informed of a modification to the State law that now allows DOT to pay for, and install, traffic signals at the entrances of schools. As a result, DOT is assuming all costs associated with the design, construction and installation of the traffic signal currently being installed at the entrance to Shaker High School.

"The safety and well being of our students is of primary importance to us," said Superintendent Randy Ehrenberg. "We hope that the light will alleviate concerns that we have had for many years, and we are so thankful that we were able to make this happen at no cost to our taxpayers."

Work began in preparation for the traffic signal earlier this summer and is expected to be completed by September 1.