Push to improve dangerous intersections

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - One Springfield City Councilor wants improvements made to a very dangerous intersection that he says could be hurting business and risking public safety.

Boston Road and Parker Street -- It's the most dangerous intersection in the Pioneer Valley.

A report from the Pioneer Valley Planning Authority found this area was dangerous because of several reasons.

Springfield City Councilor John Lysak wants changes made. He wrote a letter to Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno expressing his concern with public safety in that area.

People in the area have noticed the problems. “There's no sidewalks for people to go so I don't think they should go any closer to here,” said Elisabete Lopes who travels through the intersection often.

Lysak says there are issues with the way lanes shift, there are no crosswalks or sidewalks, and he says signs need to be improved.

This is the largest commercial district in Springfield with more than 50,000 cars passing through each day and he's concerned this intersection is hurting business.

Plans are in place to reconstruct Boston Road for more than a mile but that's not scheduled to being construction for another three years. Lysak wants improvements to come sooner.

However, the state is already facing a shortfall estimated in the hundreds of millions.

This is a reality even people who live near this intersection understand.

“The way the economy is I'm lucky they're doing it at all, I don't know I can live with it because I'm just used to it I guess,” said Bob Acconcio who has lived near Boston Road for over 30 years.

Governor Deval Patrick has stressed the need for more funding. His current budget proposal even dedicates $100 million in local roads and bridges.

However, Lysak says if the state can’t help the city should take on the responsibility.