The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) announced Thursday plans to start a $34.4 million construction improvement project on the southern area of the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway (Route 135).
The project is aimed at renewing aging pavement, installing planted medians and providing updated safety improvements on Route 135 between Merrick Road in Seaford and Hempstead Turnpike in Bethpage.
“As one of the most heavily traveled north-south commercial roadways on Long Island, this four-mile resurfacing, guide rail and center median replacement project for the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway will provide significant driving and safety enhancements for the upwards of 86,000 drivers per day that use this busy highway,” said NYSDOT Commissioner Joan McDonald. “We know that major road projects such as this help create jobs, ensure the longevity of our heavily traveled roads and bridges and make traveling safer and more visually appealing for all Long Islanders.”
The NYSDOT project includes performing concrete pavement repairs and installation of new asphalt overlay between Merrick Road and Hempstead Turnpike including ramps, as well as drainage improvements. There will also be new guide rails installed, bridge rail and joint replacements, installation of curbs, sign upgrades, landscape plantings, and the installation of a new concrete center median with plantings in certain areas.
“Rebuilding our infrastructure is paramount to our region’s economic recovery," said State Sen. Charles Fuschillo,R-Merrick, whose district covers the area of Seaford where the Route 135 improvement project will commence. "Projects like this will create hundreds of jobs, while improving the daily lives of the traveling public. On behalf of the thousands of motorists that travel the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway daily, I would like to thank the Department of Transportation for making this much needed investment that will increase safety, improve traffic operations and reduce congestion.”
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NYDOT officials said to maintain the safety of motorists, the speed limit will be reduced throughout the construction area and work will take place during off-peak daytime and night hours. At least a single travel lane will remain open to motorists throughout the roadwork area during the day.
During the Route 135 improvement process, one or two lanes may be closed between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from the Merrick Road to Sunrise Highway exits. NYDOT officials also said one travel lane may be close between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from the Sunrise Highway to Southern State Parkway exits and two lanes may be closed between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. From the Southern State Parkway to Hempstead Turnpike exits, one lane may be closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., transportation officials said.
Lane closures to accomodate the Route 135 improvements are expected to continue until the end of the year. Construction is being performed by Hicksville-based Intercounty Paving Associates, LLC under contract with the NYSDOT.
For 24/7 up-to-date traffic and travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit www.511NY.org.
