Sen. Kaminsky Continues to Urge NYSDOT to Study Replacing Antiquated Loop Parkway Drawbridge

(Rockville Centre, New York) — Senator Todd Kaminsky asked New York State Department of Transportation (“NYSDOT”) Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez to consider replacing the Loop Parkway’s aging drawbridge, which often requires repairs and frequently causes significant delays for motorists entering and exiting the Long Beach Barrier Island. Continuing his advocacy from years past, at today’s Transportation Legislative Budget Hearing, Kaminsky continued to urge NYSDOT to study replacing the antiquated bridge with a structure that will not need to accommodate passing boats.

“The Loop Parkway’s antiquated drawbridge causes significant traffic hassles — a perpetual issue I have continued to press the State Transportation Commissioner about,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky, a member of the Senate Transportation Committee. “Replacing this relic of the past with an elevated bridge that does not need to be raised and lowered will go a long way in making motorists’ lives easier, and I look forward to working with NYSDOT this year to finally make that a reality.”

Built in 1934, the Loop Parkway is the main thoroughfare for drivers accessing Long Beach, Lido Beach and Point Lookout from the Meadowbrook Parkway. During the summer months when both marine and automobile traffic are at a peak, the constant raising and lowering of the drawbridge causes massive gridlock in both directions on the Loop Parkway. The bridge has undergone significant repairs in the past few years. In September 2017, Senator Kaminsky secured a $22 million grant for upgrades and maintenance fixes to the drawbridge. 

Commissioner Dominguez pledged to look into the Senator’s concerns and make the necessary repairs a priority in the coming year.

You can watch Senator Kaminsky’s exchange with the DOT Commissioner here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgbRYO_qrzw&feature=youtu.be

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