Palumbo Announces State Transportation Projects for Area Communities

            New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo (R,C-New Suffolk) today announced that the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) is set to begin three projects to renew, modernize and ease traffic conditions at intersections on the East End.  The projects are part of a $27 million investment by the DOT to enhance safety and travel conditions at several locations across Long Island and will create approximately 350 jobs during construction.

            "I applaud the Governor and the Department of Transportation for their attention to these critical investments in our District,” said Senator Anthony Palumbo. “This is good news for local residents who, during the busy tourist season, face gridlocked roads throughout the East End.  These projects will help ease pressure on our roadways and improve both traffic flow and roadway safety for drivers, pedestrians and bikers alike who share our roadways."

            According to the DOT, preliminary work has begun on four East End intersections that are known local chokepoints. Major construction will begin this summer on reconfigured intersections that will enhance safety and reduce travel times for commuters and tourists. Reconstruction of these four intersections will total $10.9 million.

• Town of Southold – The intersection of State Route 25 and Suffolk County Route 48 will be reconstructed from the existing “T” intersection into a roundabout, which will help traffic continuously move in a smooth pattern and reduce congestion to and from the historic Village of Greenport and the Cross Sound Ferry nearby at Orient Point.  Roundabouts have been proven to lessen the instances of serious crashes while maximizing capacity. New pedestrian accommodations compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will also be constructed at this intersection including sidewalk ramps and reflective advisory signs for motorists.
• Town of Riverhead – The intersection of State Route 25 and Edwards Avenue will be reconfigured to accommodate new left turning lanes in each direction, creating easier and safer navigation for motorists. The existing traffic signal will be replaced and pedestrian accommodations will be upgraded in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Town of East Hampton – The intersection of State Route 114 and Stephen Hands Path is being reconfigured to add left turning lanes from every direction.  New enhanced traffic signals with ADA-compliant pedestrian accommodations will also be installed here. Additionally, the intersection of State Route 114 and Goodfriend Drive will add a turning lane in both directions of Route 114 to accommodate vehicles turning onto Goodfriend Drive, removing turning vehicles from the main line of traffic and allowing for a smoother flow.

            “Investments in the region’s infrastructure are critically important and needed. These projects will help to reduce congestion and improve roadway safety. They will also create hundreds of good-paying jobs, a win, win for our communities and motorists,” concluded Senator Palumbo.

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