Dramatic changes could be coming to the Onondaga Lake Parkway in Liverpool, the site of numerous crashes due to the low railroad bridge over the years. And those crashes delay traffic on a busy artery for those traveling north of the city.

"It's a big strain," said Onondaga County Sheriff Gene Conway. "That's a four-lane highway that if there's any kind of accident involving a truck it closes down the highway. Period. That in and of itself is a waste of our resources." 

State Department of Transportation officials said nearly 1,000 overheight trucks drove toward the bridge last year. Less than half turned around.

Those officials outlined the proposal for possible changes Thursday night. 

Replacing the railroad bridge is an option down the road — if taxpayers foot the bill.

"They would be open to replacing to replacing the bridge if the state pays for it and if it minimizes disruption to the rail line," said DOT Assistant Design Engineer Ed Rodriguez. "And it's potentially tens of millions of dollars, and we don't have that funding now." 

In the interim, the goal is to reduce the number of accidents from speeding or crossing into another lane. The DOT is looking at making the parkway a one-lane road in each direction.  It is also considering adding a median, more signs and reducing the speed year round. 

"If we can get those trucks that do enter the Parkway to travel at lower speed, they might notice those signs that warn them that they are in the wrong place and that they are over-height," said Rodriguez. "And maybe they will heed the warnings and stop before they get to the bridge." 

"Well because I go down that way three or four times a week, I'd rather see the traffic be able to flow faster, but if it really makes a difference," said Liverpool resident Lee Savidge. 

Neighbors can submit comments to the state through December 5. The DOT is planning to start constuction in 2021.