Rhinebeck hires engineering to secure DOT permits for two East Market Street crosswalks

Trustees authorized a $10,000 engineering task order to assemble pedestrian counts, sight‑line studies and permit documentation required by New York State DOT to permit two crosswalks on East Market Street.

Planner Rick briefed the board: the two locations are Center Street and Parsonage Street, both on a state road, which requires DOT permitting for striping and ADA‑compliant curb aprons. The village faces time pressure because DOT is scheduled to repave East Market Street in the coming weeks; if the village obtains permits and approvals in time, the state paving project can install compliant curb aprons and reduce local costs (the planner estimated DOT would otherwise have required roughly $200,000 to build four aprons). The engineering task order will collect pedestrian and vehicle counts, sight‑line data and prepare permit applications.

Trustees approved the task order to be funded from the current year's contingency. Staff said additional features (flashing beacons at the school crossing) may require extra permitting steps and separate cost estimates. The board asked staff to pursue the permitting effort quickly so DOT can include work in its imminent repaving schedule.