Long Island Ocean Parkway Reconstruction Begins
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Ralph C Monday, March 18, 2013
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Governor Cuomo has just announced that the reconstruction efforts to rebuild Long Island Highway are scheduled to begin, and should be complete by Memorial Day. The project will cost $32.2 million, and will repair the pavement on the 15.5 mile long highway which links many different communities along the southshore of Long Island. The road is used every day by numerous residents commuting to and from business and leisure activities. It is a major tourism region with many popular beaches and hotels.
The road was damaged four months ago by Hurricane Sandy. Emergency work was done on November 24th so that the road could be re-opened, but two miles of road surface were so severely damaged that they need to be completely resurfaced. Sand dunes along the road side also need to be reconstructed in order to protect the road from future damage. The two miles of road which need to be resurfaced are located near Gilgo Beach. Once the dunes are replaced, vegetation will need to be replanted.
The road resurfacing and other reconstructive efforts will be undertaken by three local construction contractors: John P. Picone, Bove Industries and Tully Construction. Ten federal and state agencies are involved with regulating and overseeing the project to completion.
“Ocean Parkway and its connections to Robert Moses State Park are important to Long Island’s quality of life and economic well being,” stated Governor Cuomo. “Local, state and federal agencies have worked quickly and collaboratively to repair Parkway damage caused by Superstorm Sandy, and I’m pleased to report that we are on track and on budget for completing this project by Memorial Day.”
Memorial Day is an important day for officials to aim for, because it represents the start of the summer tourism season. Tourism is a key industry on Long Island, and it is essential for the economic growth of the south shore that the project be completed on time. “Ocean Parkway carries nearly 10 million visitors a year to the beaches and parks along Long Island’s southern shoreline,” stated State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald. "We have taken a comprehensive approach to rebuilding both the roadway and the sand dunes that protect it, ensuring that the Parkway is ready for the summer tourist season and future damage is minimized.”
ralph@longisland.com
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