Governor Cuomo Announces Completion of Two Projects Totaling $14 Million in Highway Work in Suffolk County

Statement

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced completion of two road and bridge projects to enhance safety and support the regional economy in Suffolk County. A $7.6 million project to repair the North Ocean Avenue (Suffolk County Route 83) bridge over the Long Island Expressway (Interstate 495) in the town of Brookhaven has just finished, and a $6.4 million project to rehabilitate a portion of Route 231 (Deer Park Avenue) in the towns of Babylon and Huntington was completed earlier this summer.

"Maintaining and enhancing our transportation infrastructure is key to supporting Long Island businesses and helping to keep residents and visitors safe on the road," Governor Cuomo said. "We are making historic investments all across the state to keep our transportation network and our regional economies moving."

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "These projects have enhanced safety along two main thoroughfares that are vital to Suffolk County businesses and residents. People now have a smoother and more efficient path to access the goods and services they need."

Route 231 Concrete Repairs

The two-year project involved in-depth repairs to the concrete pavement along Route 231 between the Southern State Parkway and the LIE. Portions of the road were replaced with newly poured concrete, while precast concrete was used in other places. Smaller concrete repairs were made throughout this section of Route 231. Driving conditions were enhanced and the life of the pavement was extended, saving taxpayer money.

Crews worked primarily overnight to smooth and repair over four miles of Deer Park Avenue, mainly in the busy commercial areas of North Babylon and Deer Park. That stretch of road carries nearly 48,000 vehicles daily.

A similar repair project is expected to begin early next year primarily between Lake Avenue and the Long Island Expressway.

Senator Phil Boyle said, "I'm extremely pleased that the NY Rt. 231 concrete surface repair project has been completed. I thank Regional Director Brown for insuring that a comprehensive repair of the road, with the replacement of entire sections of concrete slabs and not just simple patching, was completed. My constituents in the North Babylon and Deer Park communities are thrilled to have a smoother riding surface that should last for years to come."

Senator John Flanagan said, "The completion of both of these projects will greatly enhance the safety and comfort of all who drive in these areas and we appreciate the effort of all the workers who made them a reality. These projects demonstrate our state's collective effort to upgrade and improve our infrastructure to preserve our roads for this and future generations. With these projects complete, I look forward to working with my partners in government to continue this utilization of state dollars to enhance the future for all Long Islanders."

Assembly Member Andrew Raia said, "With much of New York's infrastructure in need of repair, I commend the Governor for working with the State Legislature in distributing over $6 million to help rehabilitate Deer Park Avenue in Huntington and Babylon. This investment comes on top of the millions of dollars the Governor and Legislature have allocated for infrastructure projects all throughout New York in just the past few years, and I am proud of the work we have been able to accomplish together."

Assembly Member Kimberly Jean-Pierre said, "Ensuring that our roadways are safe and accessible is essential for maintaining a high quality of life for our residents and allowing our businesses to thrive. I thank Governor Cuomo for investing in these critical road repairs that will undoubtedly enhance our local community."

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said, "Governor Cuomo continues to step up for Suffolk County by providing critical infrastructure investments that both improve safety and navigation along some of our most important roadways. Infrastructure remains a top priority as we work to modernize our roadways and build a 21st century transportation network across Suffolk County."

Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer said, "This is an important infrastructure project for the Long Island region that will enhance road safety for our residents and visitors and improve transit to the benefit of our local businesses. I applaud the Governor for being a committed champion of modern transit for our state."

Huntington Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci said, "State funding that comes back into the Huntington community for improvements to our heavily-traveled roads, like the Dix Hills stretch of Route 231, is critical to maintaining infrastructure and commuter safety."

Marc Herbst, Executive Director, Long Island Contractors' Association, said, "We applaud Governor Cuomo on the completion of these two critical Long Island projects, the North Ocean Avenue bridge and the rehabilitation of Route 231. Long Island is a major hub of economic activity, and our highways, roads and bridges carry thousands of hard working Long Islanders and families every day. It is paramount that Long Island's infrastructure receives equitable funding for necessary repairs and maintenance. A special thanks to LICA members Bove Industries, Inc. and Peter Scalamandre & Sons, Inc. who served as general contractors on these projects. We look forward to even more infrastructure development on the island as the year ends and going into 2020."

North Ocean Avenue Bridge Deck Replacement

This project involved removing and rebuilding the bridge deck, while accommodating the more than 43,000 vehicles that use the bridge daily. Work was done in stages to keep five of the seven travel lanes open during construction. Sidewalks approaching the bridge and on both sides of the bridge were replaced. The project began in early 2018.

Senator Monica Martinez said, "It gives me great pleasure to announce the completion of the North Ocean Avenue Bridge Deck Replacement project in conjunction with the NYS Department of Transportation and Governor Cuomo. The completion of this local project facilitates the commercial and residential growth of our community. I look forward to our continued partnership with local stakeholders and the Governor's office to identify and initiate further capital projects that will enhance the district's infrastructure."

Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine said, "The North Ocean Avenue bridge is one of the most traveled in Brookhaven Town. The upgrade of this major county road has made it safer to cross for our residents, and demonstrates a commitment by the state to make infrastructure improvements a priority on Long Island."

Town of Brookhaven Superintendent of Highways Dan Losquadro said, "While a County road, the completion of this project is a significant improvement to the overall infrastructure that Brookhaven residents utilize every day."

Motorists are urged to slow down and safely move over when approaching roadside vehicles displaying red, white, blue, amber or green lights, including maintenance and construction vehicles in work zones. To learn more about the Move Over law and what we're doing to keep workers and motorists safe in highway construction zones, visit www.ny.gov/workzonesafety.

Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in work zones. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual's driver's license.

For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org, or download the free 511NY app.

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