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Southampton Town officials have declared a state of emergency after Thursday’s storm caused significant erosion near the Shinnecock Canal, forcing the closure of westbound lanes on Sunrise Highway.
The declaration, issued by Town Supervisor Maria Moore midday on Friday, came after town and state engineers determined that runoff from the storm — which dropped up to three inches of rain across eastern Suffolk County — had washed away soil supporting parts of the highway’s abutment area.
Officials deemed the erosion an imminent threat to public safety.
Late Friday, the town said it had been advised by the New York State Department of Transportation that a repair plan has been developed, and a contractor was already on site as of Saturday morning to begin work.
“First, they will be repairing the drainage issue that caused the problem,” the town announced. “Then the contractor will immediately begin work to address the erosion that occurred to the abutment area.”
Officials said the work is expected to take about a week. During that time, the two westbound lanes of Sunrise Highway near the canal will remain closed, with traffic shifted to a single lane along the left shoulder, as was done Friday. Motorists should expect delays as repairs continue.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine also posted an advisory Friday night, confirming that the Shinnecock Canal Bridge on Sunrise Highway “will remain under construction until further notice due to damage sustained during the recent storm.” Romaine urged motorists to “anticipate delays and increased traffic congestion in the area” and to “allow additional travel time.”
“We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation as repairs are completed to ensure the safety of all travelers,” Romaine said.
Southampton’s emergency declaration remains in effect through Wednesday. It authorizes the town’s police, highway, and public safety departments to coordinate with state and local agencies to protect life, property and infrastructure as repair work is completed.
Top photo: Facebook/County Executive Ed Romaine
