LIVERPOOL -- For the past few years Lights on the Lake at Onondaga Lake Park has set records for attendance. In 2010, more than 35,000 cars drove through - and 2011 is on pace to have even more guests. All of that traffic is great for many businesses in the village of Liverpool but not for neighbors who say its unsafe - especially on weekends.
"This past weekend, we had a fire department truck that had to go into the oncoming lane of traffic because it was gridlock from the entrance of Lights on the Lake near Heids to the thruway," said Liverpool resident Anthony LaValle.
LaValle has been asking the county to undertake a traffic study of Lights on the Lake since 2007. LaValle says many frustrated drivers trying to leave the park don't obey traffic laws and wind up blocking intersections.
"A simple solution would be to have officers at each of the intersections to ensure they are kept open so you could have a flow of traffic for local people or those that are visiting," said LaValle.
Onondaga County's Parks Commissioner says Lights on the Lake has been a huge success and the county is doing its best to manage traffic flow in and out of Onondaga Lake Park.
"As the program grows, there's always room for improvement and we're ready to collaborate with the village of Liverpool and use any of the county recourses that we have to take care of any issues the village has," said Bill Lansley.
Lansley said he has met with Liverpool's police chief in the past and will meet with him again to talk about the traffic issues.
