By Hank Russell
Long Island will receive investments totaling over $21 million to address flooding and make infrastructure enhancements along key travel corridors on Long Island’s South Shore. The two projects, one located in Suffolk County and the other in Nassau County, include drainage and stormwater upgrades along the Meadowbrook and Wantagh State Parkways, as well as major improvements along Merrick Road (State Route 27A). Governor Kathy Hochul said that,, together, these initiatives aim to safeguard key travel corridors from the impact of coastal storms and climate change while improving pedestrian and cyclist access.
“New York is stepping up to fortify our state from the impacts of climate change and extreme weather on our infrastructure,” Hochul said. “We have already seen several historic rain events this year, and the need for smart investments to reduce the risk of flooding and keep roadways safe has never been greater. By enhancing critical South Shore roadways, this project will keep Long Island communities safe, especially during extreme weather events.”
“Thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, these critical infrastructure upgrades along Long Island’s South Shore will make these vital corridors safer and more accessible during flooding and extreme weather,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “I am proud to help deliver these major federal dollars to create good-paying jobs, enhance safety and improve our aging roads.”
U.S. Senator Kristen Gillibrand added, “As climate change makes severe storms and floods more frequent, we must build smarter and invest in climate-resilient infrastructure that can protect residents, businesses, and commuters from extreme weather events that can be catastrophic. “I am grateful that these investments will help safeguard Long Island travel corridors from severe flooding.”
An $11.7 million project in Suffolk County will enhance resiliency and pedestrian safety along Merrick Road in the Village of Amityville. The project will replace a nearly century-old culvert that carries Amityville Creek beneath the roadway and upgrade infrastructure to reduce flooding in residential areas. Improvements include raising the roadway above the 100-year flood elevation, widening the culvert to better support hydraulic capacity and aquatic habitat, and adding new shoulders, sidewalks, and bike accommodations. Two-way traffic and the ability of passage for emergency vehicles will be maintained throughout construction via lane shifts. Construction is expected to be completed in spring of 2027.
“These flood mitigation projects in Suffolk and Nassau Counties are long-overdue investments to protect South Shore communities during severe storms. As coastal flooding becomes a more frequent threat, it’s essential that Long Island receives its fair share of federal resources to strengthen resiliency and keep our communities safe,” said U.S. Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-Patchogue).
Assemblyman Kwami O’Pharrow (D-Lindenhurst) said, with these projects, “we’re not just protecting properties, we’re enhancing safety and infrastructure for every resident along these vital regions.”
Amityville Village Mayor Michael O’Neill added, “The added benefit of transforming the area adjacent to Amityville High School into a safe walkable space combined with the overall improvements to the roadway, reinforces our commitment to student safety and enhances the quality of life for all Amityville residents.”
In Nassau County, a $9.5 million investment will deliver drainage upgrades and flood mitigation improvements at two low-lying sites: the Meadowbrook State Parkway at Merrick Road (Exit M9) and Wantagh State Parkway at Bay Parkway within Jones Beach State Park. These areas are particularly prone to flooding at high tide during extreme weather events, which has disrupted traffic and emergency response along critical evacuation routes.
The project includes the installation of pump stations, bolstered outflow pipes, and check valves to ensure continuous drainage, even when that flow reverses. An additional water drainage pipe will be installed near Jones Beach Field 5 to ease flooding conditions for beachgoers and theater attendees. Construction will primarily take place off roadways. Lane closures will occur during off-peak hours to have minimal impact on regular travel, consistent with New York’s Drivers First Initiative. Construction is expected to be completed in spring of 2026.
“Some of the areas in my district are prone to flooding when we experience excessive rainfall, including the Meadowbrook State Parkway at Merrick Road, which is included in these drainage upgrades,” said State Senator Siela Bynoe (D-Westbury), who is also a member of the Transportation and Environmental Conservation Committees. “Improving flood resiliency in these areas is not just a matter of infrastructure; it’s about protecting lives, preserving communities, and ensuring that Long Islanders are safe and connected, even in the face of climate change.”
Flooding concerns and drainage efficiency have emerged as top infrastructure priorities since Hurricane Sandy struck the region in 2012, resulting in several resiliency projects across Long Island. These efforts have included the $130 million Nassau Expressway project, which raised a major evacuation route by three feet; the construction of new recharge basins to collect stormwater runoff from highways; rehabilitation of culverts carrying waterways beneath roads; the installation of new drainage systems; and enhancement of existing drainage structures to improve reliability and resiliency.
“These projects on Long Island will reduce flooding on our state highways, especially during evacuations for extreme weather events, and will enhance the safety of our infrastructure for residents and visitors,” said Marie Therese Dominguez, the state’s Department of Transportation commissioner.