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A replacement and rehabilitation recently finished up at the Walt Whitman Road Bridge in Melville, officials announced.
The $42 million-plus project included a new, wider overpass carrying over the Long Island Expressway.
The state said this undertaking happened to ease travel and enhance safety along key routes for the flow of people and commerce on Long island.
“New York State continues to build back better with projects of all sizes that enhance safety and facilitate commerce across Long Island,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo in a release. “By investing in our infrastructure, we are creating a more sustainable transportation system that eases travel while also expanding economic opportunities for New Yorkers.”
The old bridge was erected in 1962 and had become antiquated, with approximately 164,000 vehicles traversing over it each day.
In this construction, two new southbound lanes, one northbound lane and two northbound left-turn lanes were created to at the service road to alleviate congestion.
New wider shoulders and sidewalks were also created for the bustling area.
“With the completion of these projects, several key sections of roadway are now safer and easier for our residents to navigate,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “I would like to thank the governor for once again investing in important infrastructure projects here in Suffolk County that not only improve quality of life but also enhance the flow of commerce in our region.”
Top: Walt Whitman Road Bridge courtesy of New York State.
