MASSENA — Robert Haynes, regional director of the New York State Department of Transportation, was the guest speaker at the Massena Rotary Club meeting April 28.
Haynes outlined the agency’s work, including concerns about speeding and distracted driving in work zones, plans to pave state routes in the Massena area this summer and how the department evaluates requests for traffic control changes.
A central focus of the discussion was a request to improve safety at the intersection of State Route 310 and County Route 34 in the town of Potsdam. The issue has taken on added significance following the deaths of Rotarian Frenchie Coupal, Loretta Perez and others.
Community advocacy has driven the effort, including work by Rotarian Dave Frary, who compiled crash data and led a petition signed by more than 1,000 residents. On Sept. 9, 2025, Rotarian Patrick Brady joined Frary in presenting the petition and a resolution to the Potsdam Town Board, which unanimously supported asking the state to study the intersection and consider a warning light or other safety measures. The town of Louisville also passed a supporting resolution.
Haynes said the intersection remains under review. While no final decision has been made, options such as a roundabout are under consideration. He said any major improvements could take several years to complete once a decision is reached.
More than 30 people attended the meeting, including members of the Massena Rotary and Massena Lunch Club, along with friends and family of those who d