FARMINGTON, N.Y. — Busy intersections can become dangerous hotspots for accidents, especially when drivers speed or fail to follow traffic signals. High-traffic areas increase the risk of collisions, putting both drivers and pedestrians in harm’s way. The intersection of Routes 332 and 96 in Farmington is one such location causing major concerns for residents and business owners. 

Don Bombace, who has served Farmington’s favorite wine and spirits for more than 25 years, has witnessed firsthand the dangers of this intersection. While Farmington’s growth has been good for business, Bombace says it has also made the Routes 332 and 96 intersections unsafe, with many accidents caught on his store’s surveillance cameras.

What You Need To Know

  • The intersection of Routes 332 and 96 in Farmington has become a dangerous hotspot for accidents, causing concerns for local business owners

  • Business owner Don Bombace has witnessed several accidents, including a fatality, and is calling for changes to improve safety at the intersection

  • The New York Department of Transportation is planning a safety project for Empire Boulevard, including upgraded signals, set to begin in late 2025

"Last week, a woman lost her life. She was on her e-bike, and she was on Route 332, and as she was crossing the road, she got hit by a car and lost her life, said Don Bombace, owner of Bombace Wine & Spirits.

Bombace's cameras show several close calls, one of which he describes in detail.

"As you can see, this truck is making a left-hand turn in front of the van. Then the van hits it because it's going at a high rate of speed," he said. "You'll notice over here there’ll be a silver car traveling north, making a left southbound coming off the Thruway. You can't judge the rate of speed, but they cut in front and get hit, there should be a red arrow there."

Bombace is not alone in witnessing these dangerous accidents.

"I saw someone get hit on a motorcycle by a semi. It was bad, bad. As you can see, it's five lanes, people just don’t pay attention," said customer Ken Jobs.

Despite repeated attempts to contact the New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) and the state, Bombace says he hasn’t received any concrete response. He strongly believes that changes are needed urgently.

"It’s gotta change. Stop the folks from making turns when oncoming traffic is happening, and then tell them when it's safe to proceed — that's what we'd like to have changed," Bombace added. 

In response to concerns like Bombace's, NYDOT is in the early stages of designing a safety project for Empire Boulevard in Penfield, a previously planned initiative aimed at improving safety across the entire corridor. The project will include upgrading traffic signals to improve visibility and safety. However, it is not scheduled to begin until late 2025.