Safety Concerns After Removal of Signal Near Binghamton Synagogue

An antiquated traffic signal on Riverside Drive on Binghamton's West Side has been removed.

The device at Riverside Drive and Murray Street was taken down following a second review by the city traffic board.

Rabbi Zev Silber of Beth David Synagogue, which is located at the intersection, said "people are not happy" about the decision to eliminate the signal.

On a recent weekday afternoon, Silber watched as many vehicles went past the synagogue at a speed that appeared to be faster than the posted 30 mph limit.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Traffic Signal Near Riverside Drive Synagogue May Be Removed

Mayor Richard David said he's "familiar with the concerns of the rabbi and others" regarding the signal removal.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, David said the signal had been malfunctioning "for a long period of time." He said it "was causing traffic issues because it did not sync up correctly" with other nearby signals.

The mayor said it would have cost at least $250,000 to replace the signal at Riverside and Murray.

David said the city will continue to monitor the area for safety issues.

A pickup truck traveling west on Riverside Drive last week veered across the roadway and smashed into a wall at the synagogue. That crash was believed to have occurred after the driver experienced a medical issue.

Traffic at the intersection of Murray Street and Riverside Drive on June 8, 2018. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)