close window

Current Issues

View All Current Issues  |  Return Home

NYS Approves Speed Limit Reductions Near Taughannock Park

7/24/25
Increased attendance at Taughannock State Park, usage of the Black Diamond Trail, and a new parking area with bathroom facilities being constructed off of Gorge Road have contributed to more traffic and activity on the roads on the west side of the park. This led area residents, New York State Parks, and the Town of Ulysses to work together to explore ways to make resident and visitor access safer. 
In early 2025, Park neighbor Jana Hexter brought a petition of her neighbors to the Town Board for a speed study. Town Supervisor Katelin Olson and Highway Superintendent Scott Stewart worked with Finger Lakes Regional Parks Director Fred Bonn on a proposal for lowering speeds for all of the roads adjacent to or connecting to Taughannock State Park at its upper entrance. 
In April 2025, the Highway Superintendent and Town Board formally requested that the NYS DOT perform a speed study on the roads adjacent to the new Taughannock Park parking area-in-progress on Gorge Road due to concerns over increased traffic.
The DOT has responded that "based on the existing roadside development, test drives, crash analysis, and road geometry" they have determined that "lowering speed limits is appropriate at this time".

VIEW DOT LETTER HERE
"I extend my thanks to Jana Hexter and Fred Bonn for their efforts to increase the safety of the area around Taughannock State Park, and to the NYDOT for a lowering speeds on several roads. Collaboration and cooperation locally again results in positive outcomes for Ulysses," said Katelin Olson, Ulysses Town Supervisor. 
Roads affected: 
  • Jacksonville Road (from Cold Springs Road to Taughannock Park Road) will be lowered from 55 to 45 mph
  • Taughannock Park Road (from Jacksonville Road to NY-96) will be lowered from 55 to 45 mph
  • Reduced from 55 to 35 mph:
    • Gorge Road (from Jacksonville Road to NY-89)
    • Rice Road (from Cayuga View Road to Taughannock Park Road)
  • The changes will take effect once new signage is installed. This may take a couple months. At that time, residents will be notified via the town's usual communication channels (town website, weekly newsletter, press releases, etc.). 
For more information, contact the Town Clerk at (607)387-5767 or clerk@townofulssesny.gov; or the Highway Superintendent at (607)387-6230 or highway@townofulyssesny.gov .