Pedestrian Tunnel Under Route 105 Plan Moving Forward

By Y.M. Lowy

The Village of Kiryas Joel has approved plans to build a pedestrian tunnel under County Route 105, creating a safer connection between the Voel Moshe neighborhood and the Park and Ride area near Bakertown Road.

The decision comes after Orange County ruled out an earlier proposal to build a bridge over the busy roadway. Following extensive engineering work, officials moved forward with a tunnel instead. The design also leaves room for the possibility of a bridge being added in the future if needed.

The planned tunnel will be about 10 feet wide, 8 feet high, and 97 feet long. Stairways with lighting will lead down on one side and back up on the other, allowing pedestrians to pass safely beneath the road.

Many residents currently need to cross Route 105 to reach nearby shopping and other parts of the village. The tunnel will allow people to travel between neighborhoods without having to walk across the heavily trafficked roadway. The project will also help traffic move more smoothly, since drivers will no longer need to stop as often for pedestrians crossing the road.