'Unauthorized' paving on state road in South Blooming Grove reversed by DOT

A spokesperson for the state Department of Transportation says it removed the section of pavement on Route 208, at the intersection of Mountain Road, that had been added without proper authorization.

Blaise Gomez

May 30, 2024, 4:41 PM

Updated 128 days ago

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Recent paving on a state road in South Blooming Grove that caused safety concerns among motorists and pedestrians has now been reversed.
A spokesperson for the state Department of Transportation says it removed the section of pavement on Route 208, at the intersection of Mountain Road, that had been added without proper authorization.
Town Supervisor Robert Jeroloman says the unauthorized work was ordered by Village of South Blooming Grove officials and removed a shoulder to make a passing lane for cars.
Jeroloman says the state owns the road and that the Department of Transportation was there on Wednesday to revert the newly paved section back to a shoulder. As of Thursday, dirt, grass seed, hay and orange cones to prevent passing were visible on the section of roadway repaired.
News 12 reached out to village officials hasn’t heard back.
“The safety of the traveling public is always NYSDOT’s top priority and the removed section of pavement did not meet the department’s safety and engineering standards. NYSDOT will continue to work with our local partners to address congestion issues at this intersection and will keep the community apprised of further developments, including a future project along the intersection,” said DOT spokesperson Joseph Morrissey.