Work has been completed on an $11.4 million project to redesign the intersection of State Route 376 and Hooker Avenue in the Town of Poughkeepsie, New York. The project involved creating a single-lane roundabout intended to improve safety and traffic flow along this busy Dutchess County corridor.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion, stating, “New York State continues to work in partnership with local communities to build back our infrastructure in ways that promote improved quality of life and continued economic growth. Thanks to this new roundabout on State Route 376, students and faculty will have a safer way of getting to class at Vassar College and local residents and visitors will experience fewer hassles as they drive, bike, walk or ride public transit in the area.”
The new roundabout includes native landscaping and features such as crosswalks, sidewalks, and pedestrian accommodations. These improvements are designed to enhance access for pedestrians and cyclists traveling to nearby destinations like Vassar College, Vassar Farms, and the Arlington business district.
Marie Therese Dominguez, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), said, “This project is a testament to Governor Hochul’s commitment to invest in infrastructure that safely connects communities and meets their needs. By working with and listening to the community, we created a project that transformed a congested Dutchess County intersection into a flowing roundabout that reduces traffic conflicts, improves safety and provides better pedestrian and bike access, ensuring easier travel for students, local residents and visitors alike as they go about their busy days.”
The NYSDOT collaborated with Vassar College officials and other stakeholders during the design phase to ensure community needs were met. The resulting roundabout supports various users including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation riders, and individuals with different abilities. It also improves access points for college facilities such as pedestrian paths, faculty housing, and Vassar Farm’s new driveway.
Construction began in spring 2024. In addition to roadwork improvements, about 59 native trees and over 600 perennial plants were installed within the project area—including inside the roundabout itself—to blend with local landscapes. Decorative lighting was added for user assistance and visual appeal.
Roundabouts are designed for safety by reducing potential collision points compared to traditional intersections; they typically result in less severe crashes due to lower speeds. They also help decrease congestion since vehicles move more steadily through them without stopping at traffic signals.
Additional information about navigating roundabouts can be found on NYSDOT’s website at www.dot.ny.gov/main/roundabouts or through instructional videos available online.
State Senator Robert Rolison commented on the impact: “This project is a major win for the Town of Poughkeepsie and the Arlington business district. This new roundabout not only makes these busy roads safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians but has improved travel across Dutchess County… Investments like this make Dutchess County better for everyone.”
County Executive Sue Serino noted that “this roundabout project represents a significant improvement over the previous intersection,” highlighting enhanced safety features as well as improved aesthetics at an important gateway location.
Town Supervisor Rebecca Edwards thanked Governor Hochul for her ongoing support: “This new roundabout is a wonderful example of state and local collaboration — improving safety, easing traffic, and creating a more walkable connected community… we’re grateful for the partnership that made it possible.”
The NYSDOT states its mission is providing safe transportation systems that connect communities while supporting environmental protection.
For travel updates or more information about New York highways visit www.511NY.org or use related mobile apps.
