By Hank Russell
Construction has gotten underway on the seawall at Shore Road in Port Washington and is expected to be completed soon, according to the Nassau County Department of Public Works.
Depending on the weather, work will begin behind the temporary concrete barrier and continue for four to five days, officials said. Once this stage of work is completed, officials anticipate pulling the temporary barrier in that area and reopening it to its original traffic pattern. Approximately 12,000 residents and 8,000 vehicles utilize Shore Road weekly, according to estimates.
eEarlier this year, DPW officials confirmed the filing of revised plans and the county’s commitment to investing $5 million in capital resources toward the project, which will revamp and repair this vital thoroughfare to secure the seawall, mitigate flooding, reduce coastal erosion, and more. The county funding for the project was supplemented with a $7.7 million state grant to the Village of Baxter Estates.
As previously reported in Long Island Life & Politics, residents are often trapped due to flooding on Shore Road. The money will be used to mitigate coastal erosion and flooding and improve pedestrian connectivity. The proposed construction includes a porous asphalt walk, a rock sill, gabion wall repair, and tidal planting to prevent flooding and erosion. Elevated overlook walkways, upper-shoreline landscaping, benches, bus shelter, and energy-efficient lighting will also be built to improve the shoreline for all residents.
“Long Islanders understand how quickly a rainy day can turn into flooded neighborhoods,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “This funding will help Port Washington make critical infrastructure improvements and build a resilient community that can withstand the increased frequency of extreme weather events.”
The money will be used to mitigate coastal erosion and flooding and improve pedestrian connectivity. The proposed construction includes a porous asphalt walk, a rock sill, gabion wall repair, and tidal planting to prevent flooding and erosion. Elevated overlook walkways, upper-shoreline landscaping, benches, bus shelter, and energy-efficient lighting will also be built to improve the shoreline for all residents. The project will not only protect Port Washington residents, but will also attract new visitors and support the local business district. Funding is provided from existing state capital funding sources.
“With spring fast approaching, I am thrilled that we are now in a position to begin essential repairs that will secure Shore Road for the future and give Port Washington and Manorhaven residents the peace of mind they have long been seeking,” said Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove). “I am truly grateful to the county and the state for committing substantial resources toward this project.”
DeRiggi-Whigtton also thanked Baxter Estates Mayor Nora Haagenson for being “such a tireless advocate for getting this crucial project done.” She also asked residents and motorists to be patient “as a long-term solution for Shore Road continues to come into focus.”