Ithaca, N.Y. — Local and state officials met at Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton’s office last Thursday to discuss how to improve truck safety in Ithaca.
The discussions come out of a fatal June 20 crash at Simeon’s restaurant that claimed the life of a bartender.
The Thursday meeting of the group — which includes representatives from the county, state, Department of Transportation and city — also occurred one day after a dump truck crashed on an Ithaca hill.
Lifton said in an interview Tuesday that officials are still going over different ideas to figure out which might be practical to implement and effective.
Lifton said there’s unlikely to be a single silver bullet and that local officials will instead look to a series of solutions, including “low-hanging fruit” like improving signage on the roads coming into the city.
“I think the main takeaway from the meeting was that there would be a range of things,” Lifton said.
“Might we do some rerouting of trucks? Might we change streets downtown so there aren’t trucks coming down on the Commons?”
“There are maybe four or five different things that will contribute” to an answer, she said.
Lifton noted that there would likely be discussions in early December with members of the public to solicit feedback on the proposals. Many of the ideas — including rerouting of trucks — are going to require further study and analysis, she said.
“We haven’t set a definite date to present where things are, but there are a whole range of ideas and we’ll ask for further input from the public,” she said.
Other ideas included possible barriers downtown and more education for truck drivers.
Simeon’s crash coverage
Trucking firm in Simeon’s crash has lost its operating authority from feds – The company that owns the truck that crashed into Simeon’s on the Commons in June has lost its authority to operate across state lines, according to federal documents. The Ithaca Voice
Titus Gallery, shuttered and splintered in Simeon’s crash, reopens with eye to the future – After nearly two months of restoration, the Titus Gallery is reopening its doors. The Ithaca Voice
What if truck safety in Ithaca is simply impossible? Scrutinizing 8 decades of evidence – “Water runs down hills … and so do vehicles and trucks if they lose their brakes.” The Ithaca Voice
Owners want to rebuild structure that houses Simeon’s – The owners of the building housing Simeon’s on the Commons intend to restore the structure, and the owners of Simeon’s intend to reopen their popular restaurant in the same location. The Ithaca Voice
History of accidents at Commons raises questions about Ithaca intersection – Past traffic accidents at the intersection of North Aurora Street and East State Street both suggest the possibility of future incidents and raise the question of what can be done to prevent them. The Ithaca Voice
Could better signs have helped? Official looks at similar Ithaca roads after Simeon’s tragedy – Former Ithaca Mayor Carolyn Peterson wonders if road signage for trucks ought to be prominent among the questions discussed after the crash. The Ithaca Voice
As life resumes in downtown Ithaca, a city registers its shock — and asks questions – In some ways, life in downtown Ithaca went on as usual Saturday morning. The Ithaca Voice
Ice-cold beer, bubbling mozzarella & Ithaca style: The history of Simeon’s Restaurant – Located on the corner of South Aurora, with a stenciled ceiling and eclectic design, Simeon’s serves its customers in a building more than 140 years old. The Ithaca Voice