Senator Flanagan Joins University And Town Officials To Celebrate Completion Of Stony Brook Road Improvements

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District),  Brookhaven Town Highway Superintendent Daniel P. Losquadro and Assemblyman Steve Englebright joined Stony Brook University Interim President Dr. Michael Bernstein to announce the completion of a $1.9-million traffic safety improvement project on Stony Brook Road between Oxhead Road and Development Drive, in the vicinity of Stony Brook University.

Funded by a combination of both New York State and Town funds, the project included the installation of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant sidewalks and ramps between Oxhead Road and Stony Brook University’s Research and Development Park.  In addition to the new sidewalks, drainage improvements were made, retaining walls constructed, pedestrian signals installed, and the road resurfaced.

Along this corridor, traffic signals were upgraded at the intersections of Oxhead Road and Stony Brook Road, as well as South Drive and Stony Brook Road.  In addition, a new traffic signal was installed at Development Drive.  In order to move more vehicles off Stony Brook Road and on to campus during peak hours, the southbound turning lane was lengthened at the South Drive intersection along with a fully-protected left turn arrow.  For added safety, new LED decorative streetlights will be installed alongside the sidewalk between Oxhead Road and South Drive.

Sen. Flanagan secured a $1-million grant from the New York State Dormitory Authority through its State and Municipal Facilities Capital Program to fund the project on Stony Brook Road.  Assemblyman Englebright secured an additional $75,000 through the state multimodal program and the Brookhaven Highway Department contributed an additional $815,000, bringing the total project cost to approximately $1.9 million.

“The upgrades to the infrastructure near Stony Brook University were designed to improve the flow of traffic and enhance pedestrian safety through this busy corridor,” said Superintendent Losquadro.  “I hope the changes will encourage more people to utilize non-vehicular transit when going to and from the university, thus cutting down on traffic.”

"This comprehensive project is a great example of what can be accomplished through a cooperative effort of state and local government,” said Senator Flanagan.  “By utilizing state funding my office secured to enhance traffic flow and create a more walkable community, the Town of Brookhaven has brought a multifaceted approach to this area that will benefit everyone who lives, works and studies in Stony Brook.  It was my pleasure to work with Superintendent Losquadro to make these improvements a reality and I look forward to working with him in the future.”

Assemblyman Englebright said, “These extensive roadway improvements are another step in making Stony Brook Road a safer place for pedestrians and bicyclists.  By creating a more protected and attractive route between the campus and the research and development park, the Town Highway Department’s improvements will encourage more people to walk and bike resulting in less cars on this already busy local road. “

Dr. Bernstein said, “On behalf of the campus community, I am very grateful to Senator John Flanagan, Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro and Assemblyman Steve Englebright for the funding that enabled these pedestrian and traffic safety improvements on Stony Brook Road.  I also want to thank the Brookhaven Highway Department team whose planning and careful attention to detail is evident.”