Game Farm Road crosswalk could be installed by end of year

The anticipated Game Farm Road crosswalk, a project that will connect a section of the Dryden Rail Trail and the East Ithaca Recreation Way, could be implemented by the end of this year, officials said.

According to Dryden Town Supervisor Jason Leifer, the goal is to have crosswalk plans completed by the beginning of winter.

The project will include the installation of a crosswalk between the town of Dryden’s and the town of Ithaca’s trails, a high-intensity activity crosswalk, a rapid-flashing beacon with the possible implementation of a yellow pedestrian crossing sign and the reduction of the speed limit on Game Farm Road from 55 to 45 mph.

The project as a whole was originally slated to be completed by spring of next year. However, because the Tompkins County Highway Department is ahead of schedule with its projects, they fit the crosswalk project in this fall, said Director Jeff Smith.

“With the really dry, nice and hot summer we all enjoyed, we already had our full summer of work completed,” Smith added, noting the priority of the project for both towns and the county. “We decided we were able to start the [crosswalk] project [in the fall].”

The first part of the project was the removal of a nonstandard vertical curve in the road, which Leifer said was “causing safety issues” for the future crossing and the trails on each side of it.

“It was fairly close to where the crossing is,” Leifer said, adding that the removal of the curve allows the town to “put in the crossing that we want to put in.”

Smith noted that the vertical curve was recently removed, and the next step is laying down a couple courses of asphalt and other small work projects on the road.

“It did not allow for adequate space-stopping distance to where the future trail crossing is going to be,” Smith said of the road’s vertical curve.

Leifer mentioned that the next steps in completing the project are to install lighting, the proper signage and, eventually, the crossing. Smith anticipates that once the crossing is part of the road, individuals will use it not just in the daytime, but in the evening with shorter days in the fall.

As long as snowfall doesn’t arrive early, Leifer said, the crosswalk project should run smoothly.

“It’s great that this is happening so quickly,” he added. “We know people use the trail and they cross; it’s just whether they’re doing it safely or not. We want to ensure the safety aspect with this crosswalk.”

Dryden Dispatch appears every Wednesday in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@VizellaMedia.com.

In brief:

Books & Brew meets on Oct. 27

Southworth Library’s Books & Brew will meet at 6 p.m. Oct. 27 at Hopshire Farm & Brewery at 1771 Dryden Rd. in Freeville.

The meeting will focus on the hocus pocus: fiction, nonfiction or movies. Books are available to borrow at the library — be sure to check out the library’s display for ideas! Those interested are welcome to share their finds while enjoying a cold beverage of choice and some snacks.

Dryden Senior Citizens to meet

The Dryden Senior Citizens (DSC) are scheduled to meet Oct. 24 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars building on 2272 Dryden Rd. (Route 13) in the town of Dryden.

The meeting and announcements will begin at 11:45 a.m., and lunch will be served at 12:15 p.m.

The lunch menu includes beef stew with potatoes and carrots, tossed salad, biscuits and apple crisp. The cost for the meal is $8 for DSC members and $9 for nonmembers.

Bob Lyna will sing country and modern songs as part of the meeting’s entertainment.

The cost for a yearly DSC membership is $5. DSC meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month. Those 55 and older in the area are welcome to join the group.

Special guest at Jennie’s Book Club meeting Oct. 18

Denise Gelberg, author of “Lucky Girl,” will be a special guest at Jennie’s Book Club at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 18 at the Southworth Library on 24 W. Main St. in Dryden.

Gelberg will discuss her book with the group. Her book is available to borrow at the library. For more information, go to southworthlibrary.org or call (607) 844-4782.

Southworth Library offering free computer instruction this month

Southworth Library is offering two free-of-charge basic computer skills sessions this month.

The sessions are scheduled for Oct. 24 and 26, with both sessions going from 11 a.m. to noon. The sessions are designed for individuals with little to no computer experience.

Space is limited for each session. To register, call (607) 844-4782 or visit the library to sign up.

Village of Dryden to conduct hydrant flushing next week

The Village of Dryden will conduct hydrant flushing during the week of Oct. 17 through 21. The village is asking residents to avoid doing light-colored laundry on these days.