The town was first settled in 1799 when four brothers named Andrew, John, Samuel, and Daniel Millet left their homes in Connecticut, traveled west and became the first settlers in what is now the hamlet of Walworth.
The traffic signal at the intersection of New York State Route 441 and Walworth-Ontario Rd in Walworth, NY, has been inoperative for several months as of late 2024.
This configuration has led to significant delays for north-south travelers and raised safety concerns due to the lack of a full stop for opposing traffic on Route 441.
The malfunctioning signal has drawn criticism from local residents and commuters, as the town has acknowledged the need for a replacement but cited delays due to supply chain issues.
Despite these delays, the town has not acted on suggestions from the public to borrow or purchase a temporary signal from neighboring municipalities.
Safety Concerns: Residents fear the risk of accidents at the intersection, given that drivers on Route 441 are not required to stop, while those on Walworth-Ontario Rd face delays.
Some residents have drawn ironic comparisons to notable historical events in Walworth, such as former President Grover Cleveland's visit to the town for his sister's wedding in 1885.
Officials from the Town of Walworth have stated that a replacement signal is on order, though no estimated installation date has been provided.
The delay is reportedly due to a lack of available traffic light components amid ongoing supply chain disruptions.
The matter has been discussed in town board meetings, but public dissatisfaction continues to grow as winter conditions exacerbate safety concerns.