Albany, NY - January 20, 2016 - In light of upcoming drawbridge repairs on the Loop Parkway, Assemblyman Todd Kaminsky highlighted the impact that construction will have to residents and commuters on the Barrier Island to New York State Department of Transportation (“DOT”) Commissioner Matthew Driscoll at the New York State Legislative Transportation Budget Hearing today.
Assemblyman Kaminsky urged the DOT to consider the high volume of traffic on the parkway that directly impact’s the South Shore’s local economy, as well as the capabilities of emergency services and daily commuter traffic.
“I commend the DOT for investing in our infrastructure and repairing the Loop Parkway drawbridge,” said Assemblyman Kaminsky. “It is vital that we work together to minimize potential adverse effects that construction could have on commuters and residents. The Barrier Island’s economy is still recovering from superstorm Sandy and any interruption could be devastating. I welcome the opportunity to work with the DOT to create an efficient plan to decrease the impact to the community.”
In response, DOT pledged to review whether full closures were in fact needed and they also promised to give as much advance notice as possible to nearby residents so that they are abreast of necessary detour routes.
The Loop Parkway is a main route of access to the Barrier Island and the South Shore for residents, commuters, and visitors. It provides direct access to the Barrier Island’s beautiful beaches and small businesses, as well as one of only three points of access to South Nassau Communities Hospital (“SNCU”) and Nassau University Medical Center (“NUMC”). Construction could dangerously impact an ambulance’s ability to arrive at SNCU or NUMC quickly. While repairs to the drawbridge are welcome and needed, collaboration between the DOT and community stakeholders is necessary in order to create a viable solution during construction.