Important Memo from New York State Department of Transportation Regarding Route 347 Improvement Project

Off-Peak, Mid-Day Daily Travel Lane Closures of NY Route 347 Begin

Tuesday, September 14, 2010 in the Town of Smithtown, Suffolk County

These off-peak, mid-day lane closures will be in effect Monday through Friday.  Westbound NY Route 347 single travel lane closures will take place between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and eastbound closures will take place between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  At least one travel lane on NY Route 347 will remain open to motorists during these mid-day closures.

In addition, single travel lane closures will take place on Brooksite Drive directly north and south of NY Route 347, between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.  A single lane will remain open so drivers will still be able to travel through this area via an alternating traffic pattern:  During the single travel lane operation, a flag person will stop southbound Brooksite Drive traffic to allow northbound motorists to use the single available lane; then northbound traffic will be stopped while the southbound motorists proceed.  

On NY Route 111, travel lanes will be shifted directly north and south of NY Route 347.  To minimize the impact on motorists, only smaller roadway sections where the contractor is actually performing work will be closed.   Nevertheless, motorists are urged to use alternate routes as there will be travel delays.

 These travel lane closures are needed to perform construction work, including tree removals, on the $26.8 million NY Route 347 safety, mobility, and environmental improvement project between NY Routea347/454 and NY Route 111.  The featured project website, www.NY347.org provides detailed project information including links to project plans. 

As with any roadway project, this operation is weather dependent and may be canceled, postponed, or prolonged due to inclement weather. 

Emergency service providers, neighborhood schools, and the Town of Smithtown have been notified of the NY Route 347 travel lane closures. 

On Thursday, September 30, 2010 NYSDOT is conducting the NY 347 Construction Kick-Off Open House for the public between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the NY State Office building, 250 Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge.

Motorists are being warned in advance of the closing via road signs but are urged to use alternate routes to avoid delays.  In addition, motorists are reminded to drive carefully through the work zone and obey the posted construction speed limit for their safety as well as the safety of the highway work crew.   

For 24/7 up-to-date traffic and travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit www.511NY.org.  Motorists may also obtain travel information from the INFORM Transportation Management Center cameras at www.INFORMNY.com  and on their hand held communication devices at www.INFORMNY.mobi . 

The New York State Department of Transportation appreciates the patience and cooperation of motorists and local residents during this necessary road improvement project.