New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Acting Commissioner Stan Gee today broke ground on the $27.9 million NY Route 110-Long Island Expressway (LIE/I495) bridge reconstruction and mobility improvement project in the Town of Huntington, Suffolk County. This project will reconstruct the NY Route 110 Bridge over the LIE to improve vertical clearance for trucks and provide three full travel lanes on NY Route 110; reconfigure entrance/exit ramps and intersections to improve safety and traffic flow; and provide new, freshly paved roadways. Acting Commissioner Gee was joined by Regional Director Subi Chakraborti, US Senator Charles Schumer, Congressman Steve Israel, Assemblyman James Conte, Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone, Long Island Contractors Association Executive Director Marc Herbst, Action Long Island Chairman Sheldon Sackstein, and Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Larry Kushnick.
“More jobs, an economic boost for local retailers, restaurants, and sub-contractors, and improved safety and mobility for Long Island motorists, are just a few of the multi-faceted benefits this major reconstruction project provides,” Acting Commissioner Gee said. “Located in the heart of one of Long Island’s largest and most vital business districts, this project will provide long-lasting benefits for the approximately 88,000 motorists who utilize this interchange each day and help sustain business growth along this six mile, core economic NY Route 110 corridor.”
The groundbreaking event marked the beginning of major safety and mobility improvements planned for the NY Route 110 corridor between the LIE and Northern State Parkway. This project will complement improvements that are being provided in the future under the NY Route 110 Safety and Mobility Improvement Project between the LIE and Arrowood Lane north of the Northern State Parkway (NSP) and, the NY Route 110-NSP Interchange Reconstruction Project.
Senator Charles Schumer said, "There is nothing more important than safety on the roadways and bridges across Long Island and unfortunately, this bridge and surrounding area has proven to be less than stellar in recent years. But with nearly $30 million coming to Huntington for bridge reconstruction and road improvements, Long Islanders can breath easy that they are safe and sound when traveling over the State Route 110 Bridge and will no longer face the treacherous travel times caused by extreme congestion."
Congressman Steve Israel (D-Huntington) said, “If Long Islanders understand one thing, it’s traffic. As a Huntington resident, I know the aggravation of driving Route 110. This $27.9 million project will help to ease congestion while also creating new jobs and economic activity in the local area.”
Senator Carl L. Marcellino said, “This project will help us to improve transportation safety in one of the busiest areas in the Town of Huntington while also stimulating the local economy with new construction and employment opportunities. It is important in these economic times to invest in projects that help improve our transportation infrastructure and sustain and promote economic growth on Long Island.”
Assemblyman James Conte said, “The NY Route 110 Corridor is the economic lifeblood, not only for the towns of Huntington and Babylon, but for all of Long Island. By improving the public's mobility on this roadway, we will improve business opportunities and lessen commute times in the entire region."
Suffolk Executive Steve Levy said, “Maintaining our infrastructure on an island which relies so heavily on road transportation is critical. This project will keep our roads safe and will provide important jobs to the region.”
Huntington Supervisor Frank Petrone, who also chairs the Route 110 Partnership said, “Ask people to cite the major issue along the Route 110 corridor, and most will say it is traffic congestion. This project will help speed traffic at the busiest portion of Long Island's Main Street and, combined with planned public transportation improvements, accelerate development along this vital artery in the Long Island economy.”
Long Island Contractors Association Executive Director Marc Herbst said, “Over seventy years ago it was demonstrated clearly and conclusively that spending public money on infrastructure projects would reinvigorate an economy, put people back to work and forge a strong and dynamic society. In the teeth of a grinding recession we are learning that lesson once more. We look forward to the NY110/LIE project going forward so that the full effects of this core project and the federal stimulus dollars can be felt throughout Long Island.”
Action Long Island Chairman Sheldon Sackstein said, “Action Long Island (ALI) is delighted to be invited to participate in this very important groundbreaking ceremony which signals just one of the many improvements that NYSDOT has planned for the NY Route 110 corridor. Since its inception in 1980, ALI has enjoyed a close working relationship with NYSDOT statewide and particularly in Region 10. Under the leadership of current Regional Director Subi Chakraborti, that relationship has grown ever stronger. Mr. Chakraborti has distinguished himself as being open-minded, willing to embrace change, and has the foresight to deliver more cost effective projects. Thereby demonstrating the ability in tough economic times, to change projects and deliver more for the driving public with fewer resources. ALI looks forward to continuing this close working relationship with NYSDOT on the Route 110 project as well as many others in Region 10.”
Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Robert Bontempi said, “The Long Island Expressway and Route 110 are essential transportation links for businesses, residents, tourists and commuters traveling throughout Long Island. This project will benefit everyone, will ease the burden on commuters and is crucial for our future generations. It will improve safety, facilitate efficient traffic flow, enhance the appearance and increase mobility of these vital roadways. We strongly support the great plan that the NYSDOT will be implementing to improve Long Island's major thoroughfares.”
