Photos: New Traffic Light Installed on Jericho Tpke

The New York State Department of Transportation is installing a new traffic light on Jericho Turnpike and Old Indian Head Road. Installation began on Monday, but it could be several weeks – or months – before it is used, according to Eileen W. Peters, spokeswoman for the New York State Department of Transportation.

"A traffic light can be requested by a citizen, public official or other organization in a town, or it can be determined by the DOT that one is needed. If we have seen a number of similar accidents, then we will analyze that area," Peters said.

The Department of Transportation, Peters said, analyzes three years of traffic data, has on site evaluations – in which an engineer sits at the site and watches traffic patterns – and evaluates the signs already in place.

The intersection on Jericho Turnpike already has a stop sign that will be removed once the traffic light is installed.

"It could take a few more weeks before it is an active part of traffic patterns. There are a lot of wires that need to be installed," Peters said.

Traffic lights and signals are not installed quickly.

"If installed in the wrong location can be a hazard, proven by other past situations," Peters said.

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