An $8.7 million bridge rehabilitation project for two bridges along the heavily traveled roadways in Suffolk County has been completed. The project added new high-performance bridge joints and made other improvements to the Great Neck Road (County Route 47) bridge over Sunrise Highway (State Route 27) in the Town of Babylon and the Robert Moses Causeway bridge over Ocean Parkway in the Town of Islip, extending the service life of the structures for approximately 50 years.
“Investing in infrastructure that enhances safety and keeps people and goods moving for many decades to come is essential to the future of Long Island and our state,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “This project not only provided immediate upgrades to two bridges that are vital to travel on Long Island, but it will also ensure that these important crossings remain in service for another half century, fostering continued growth and prosperity for our local communities.”
Originally constructed in the early 1960s, both bridges received extensive upgrades as part of the project. The existing bridge joints — which traverse the road and cause bumps for traveling vehicles — were replaced with ultra-high-performance concrete, strengthening the structures and providing motorists with a smoother, safer ride. Bridge bearings, critical components that provide stability and flexibility to the structures, were also replaced and repairs were made to the steel girders and concrete supports to further enhance their long-term durability.
Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine said, “Maintaining our roads and investing in public infrastructure remains a top priority in Suffolk County. I am thankful for this municipal cooperation to ensure these critical projects are complete and that our motorists remain safe.”
“Our bridges are vital arteries connecting businesses, schools, and communities across Suffolk County and Long Island,” Marc Herbst, the executive director of the Long Island Contractors Association, added.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “By modernizing bridges like these along the Robert Moses Causeway and Great Neck Road, we are helping to keep Long Island’s communities connected and improving quality of life for residents.”
The Robert Moses Causeway is a major access route to Long Island’s amazing beaches and recreational attractions, including Robert Moses State Park, Jones Beach, Gilgo State Park and the fishing docks at Captree State Park. Great Neck Road is a vital county road connecting businesses, homes, parks and schools in North Amityville and Copiague and provides a pedestrian crossing over Sunrise Highway for Copiague’s high school and middle school.
“The Robert Moses Causeway and Great Neck Road bridges are critical connectors for Long Islanders and vital to our local economies,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “I’m proud to have secured the federal funding to ensure these bridges remain safe and reliable for travelers and continue serving Long Island for decades to come.”
“Bridges link communities, and these bridges connect Long Islanders to opportunities and with one another,” state Senator Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood) added. “That is why the restoration of these heavily traveled overpasses is important to our region. The work completed will strengthen these vital connections and extend their functionality for decades to come.”
Assemblymember Kwani O’Pharrow (D-Lindenhurst) said, “Our roads and infrastructure are vital to our local economy. With Long Island having the most registered drivers in New York State, re-investing in our roadways demonstrates our commitment to supporting local businesses while ensuring the safety of our communities.”