New York Construction Report staff writer
Construction of the bridge at the junction of State Route 347 and Nicolls Road (Suffolk County Route 97) will start six years earlier than previously planned. Originally scheduled to start in 2034, the Department of Transportation is now expecting the project to begin construction in late 2028 to minimize future construction costs.
Department engineers are working on the preliminary design phase for a grade separated interchange to better suit the needs of motorists.
Construction is currently expected to be completed in 2031 at an estimated cost of $110 million to $140 million.
“Reliable, accessible transportation is the backbone of every society and is a right every community must have, which is why I’m proud to support and celebrate this much-needed project in Suffolk County.” Governor Hochul said. “This overpass will bring a new driving experience to those who live, work and commute in Suffolk County, and I’m looking forward to seeing its completion. By accelerating this project, we are not only improving safety and efficiency for motorists, but we are also strengthening Long Island’s infrastructure to support future growth and economic development.”
State Route 347 beyond Nicolls Road will also be reconstructed for about a mile east through Mark Tree Road. This will better accommodate motorists and emergency vehicles accessing Nicolls Road on their way to school, work, retail shopping centers and nearby Stony Brook University Hospital.
To date, the State Department of Transportation has invested over $200 million towards transforming State Route 347. Six projects have already been completed stretching from State Route 454 (Veterans Memorial Highway) to Hallock Road and at the intersection with State Route 112. A seventh section, which will reconstruct the thoroughfare between Hallock Road and Nicolls Road, is currently expected to begin this summer.
Once bridge construction is completed, improvements will start on State Route 347 will take place from Mark Tree Road to Old Town Road and from Old Town Road to State Route 25A, all within the Town of Brookhaven.
“Today’s news is extremely positive, logical and gratifying for all those who have rallied for this proposal. Investments in our infrastructure create good-paying jobs and provide solutions for our collective future,” said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico. “Here we will eliminate a traffic choke point for Brookhaven’s residents to the only Level one Trauma Center in Suffolk County at Stony Brook Hospital. Brookhaven certainly appreciates this news and thanks all those involved in moving this project up.”
