With Federal Funding in Place, Project will Reduce Congestion, Improve Safety and Enhance Aesthetics East of William Floyd Pkwy.

A long-anticipated project to enhance traffic flow, reduce gridlock and improve safety along a nearly two-mile stretch of Montauk Highway in Shirley and Mastic has begun, it was announced by Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, County Legislator Kate Browning and U.S. Congressman Tim Bishop.

Work will commence this week, starting with the relocation of utilities, in preparation for the project that will ultimately:

· Provide two lanes of traffic in each direction, with a center turning lane, from William Floyd to just east of the Southport Shopping Center;

· Provide a continuous center turning lane throughout the 1.7 miles covered by the project;

· Continuous sidewalks on both sides of the roadway, to enhance safety and to allow for pedestrian flow through the business districts of each community;

· Re-configure lights and lanes to prevent left-hand turns off Montauk Highway onto William Floyd Parkway

“This project was talked about for years, but my administration took the bull by the horns to make it a reality, just as we did with County Road 39 in the Hamptons, County Road 58 in Riverhead or Nicolls Road in Selden,” said Levy. “Furthermore this major work is coming at just the right time, providing jobs and boosting the local economy.”

“This work was needed 10 years ago, and when I took office I promised to move it forward,” stated Legislator Browning. “Our community is going to benefit greatly from these much needed improvements. Not only will congestion be relieved, but pedestrians will be able to walk safely throughout the Montauk Highway Business District, and I know everyone will enjoy the beautification improvements once the project is complete.”

The $22 million, 18-month project is eighty percent federally funded, which was secured by Congressman Tim Bishop.

“I worked with residents and leaders like Kate Browning and Steve Levy to obtain the federal funding and to make sure that the Montauk Highway improvements fit the community’s needs,” said Bishop, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “I am pleased that this project --which will provide jobs, reduce congestion, and improve public safety -- is finally underway.”

As utility work begins, the northern lane on Montauk Highway will be affected first, and the southern shoulder will be used as a vehicular lane during specified hours. To help alleviate construction traffic delays, the Suffolk County Department of Public Works will be restricting lane closures during rush hour periods from 5 to 9 am and 3 to 9 pm. Two-way traffic and access to adjacent properties will be maintained at all times.

Legislator Browning noted there may be occasional inconveniences to residents that travel Montauk Highway on a regular basis while the reconstruction takes place, but the Department of Public Works has taken precautions to make the project run as smoothly as possible for the community.

“Unfortunately, as with any road construction project there will be an unavoidable inconvenience to the residents who travel Montauk Highway often,” concluded Browning. “However, the Department of Public Works has taken the necessary steps to make the project run as smooth as possible for the businesses and drivers, and the final result will help move this community forward in the right direction. I am confident we will all be pleased with the final product. I caution all residents to be careful and patient over the next eighteen months as we work towards a better and brighter future.”

“One of the most frustrating aspects of suburban life is being stuck in slow moving traffic in your own local community,” noted Levy. “Working closely with the Shirley and Mastic communities Suffolk County has heard the concerns of residents in the Tri-Hamlet communities and look forward to the completion of this project that will improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”

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