NYSDOT Travel Lane Changes on NY Route 347 Begin Tomorrow Morning, September 26 in Hauppauge, in the Town of Smithtown, Suffolk County

The following is a message from the New York State Department of Transportation:

Travel lane changes will begin tomorrow morning, September 26, 2013 on NY Route 347 between Brooksite Drive and Plaisted Avenue in Hauppauge in the Town of Smithtown, Suffolk County.  NY Route 347 travel lanes will be reduced from three to two lanes about one-half mile east of the NY Route 454/347 split at Brooksite Drive.  In addition, at NY Route 111, the eastbound travel lanes will then be reduced to a single lane of traffic through Plaisted Avenue.  These lane closures will be in effect each morning between 6:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. beginning tomorrow, Thursday, September 26 and will continue Monday through Friday until October 4. l early 2015. 

These travel lane changes are needed as part of the $30.5 million, Design-Build, NY Route 347 Safety, Mobility and Environmental Improvement Project that is currently under construction.  This project is the second in a series of NY Route 347 corridor projects planned to improve safety for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, and to reduce travel delays by transforming NY Route 347 into a modified boulevard and suburban greenway for 15 miles through Smithtown, Islip and Brookhaven.  This NY Route 347 project between NY Route 111 and Mount Pleasant Road is the largest transportation design-build project on Long Island.

Motorists are being warned in advance of the closings but should take alternate routes to avoid delays.  Emergency service providers, local businesses, neighborhood schools, elected officials, and the Town of Smithtown have been notified of the travel lane changes.

Motorists are reminded of the recently expanded Move-Over Law that now includes all hazard vehicles with amber lights such as tow trucks and construction vehicles. On parkways and other major highways with multiple lanes, drivers must move to a travel lane away from a vehicle displaying amber, red, white, or blue flashing lights, or slow down.  Violators face moving violation fines and points on their drivers’ licenses. Drivers should also be aware that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone.  In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver’s license.

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 businesses, motorists and local residents during this important road improvement project.