New York Construction Report staff writer
A $27 million construction project to modernize Exit 53 of the Long Island Expressway in Suffolk County has been completed.
The project, one of the most significant upgrades to the LIE since the addition of High Occupancy Vehicle lanes in the 1990s, added two new exit ramps from the expressway to Crooked Hill Road.
Connections between the LIE and the nearby Sagtikos State Parkway were also improved as part of the project and a new detection system was installed to mitigate instances of trucks and other over height-vehicles entering the parkway.
“This area of the island will experience faster and safer time on their daily commute as they live, work, and play in Suffolk County,” said Nassau-Suffolk Building and Construction Trades Council president Matt Aracich. “The Building Trades Council applauds Governor Hochul and Commissioner Dominguez for choosing to use a Project Labor Agreement resulting in a safe and rewarding project that used the latest in effective technology installed by our local skilled tradeswomen & tradesmen.”
In addition to the new ramps, the project also added seven new overhead signs to better direct motorists and three new electronic message signs that display advisory messages, such as warnings of severe weather or road closures. Each ramp terminus at Crooked Hill Road (Suffolk County Route 13) also features an enhanced traffic signal with audible pedestrian crossing signals and handicapped accessible curb ramps, both compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
An existing 3½ acre recharge basin, which naturally filters highway stormwater runoff, was reconditioned by removing about 3,100 tons of debris and organic material to prevent blockages and allows for more adequate filtration. The basin was also expanded and over a mile of new drainage pipes were installed to accept more water in anticipation of heavier rains due to changing weather patterns.
Over 2,600 new trees and shrubs – including native evergreens and flowering trees – were planted to restore woodlands, replicating the aesthetic look of Long Island’s parkways. A unique mix of wildflowers was developed and implemented specifically for this site to create a safe habitat for pollinators and Monarch butterflies and to prevent erosion on the slopes of the recharge basin.
“Governor Hochul’s steadfast commitment to improving our region’s roadways has been unwavering since her first days leading our state,” said Long Island Federation of Labor President John Durso said. “These kind of investments deliver tangible results for everyday Long Islanders, create and sustain good union jobs, and help to build a better future for our region. We look forward to continuing to develop the infrastructure to support New York’s next generation.”
