Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone Announces Preparations For U.S. Open Golf Championship

Written by Long Island News & PR | 12. June 2018

Suffolk County, NY - June 12, 2018 - Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone today joined with Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman, Long Island Rail Road President Phil Eng, and the United States Golf Association to announce several preparations for visitors ahead of the 118th U.S. Open Golf Championship. They included road restrictions, complimentary parking and shuttle options, updated train schedules, and security measures to ensure public safety for the event. Suffolk County has actively been collaborating with both New York State and the Town of Southampton to ensure the safety of visitors who are traveling to and from the U.S. Open Championship.

“The U.S. Open is finally making its return to Shinnecock Hills and we are excited to kick off the championship in our own backyard,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “I have directed Suffolk County to work in conjunction with New York State and the Town of Southampton to make sure all safety measures are in place and we are ready for any incident that may arise.”

“We are proud to partner with Suffolk County and New York State to once again host the US Open at Shinnecock Hills,” said Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman. “Under the careful direction of Southampton Town Police Chief Steven Skrynecki, we have developed a coordinated plan to provide safety and traffic flow to and from the US Open.”

Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming said: “I would like to welcome the USGA back to the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club for the fifth time in the club’s history. I would also like to give a warm welcome to the many visitors and the athletes. I thank the County Executive for including me to welcome and celebrate this historic event, and I would also like to thank the Southampton Town officials and Southampton Police Department, who have worked with agencies including the SCPD to ensure that we have a safe and enjoyable event. Our community is happy to welcome the USGA; the economic opportunities that the event brings will benefit our local economy and the visitors will get to experience the beaches and downtown areas that make our communities so special. The Town of Southampton is a magnificent place with a rich history and beautiful scenery for all to enjoy, so I recommend that visitors explore, have fun, and get to see what makes the East End of Suffolk County so unique."

Phil Eng, President of the Long Island Rail Road said: “We’re delighted to be able to work with Suffolk County and all stakeholders to be able to help bring this world-class sports event to Southampton. The LIRR is the most convenient way to get to the U.S. Open Championship. We have a robust service plan in place with between five and 10 extra express trains per day, effectively doubling existing train service on the branch, and our customer ambassadors at the station will be able to help answer any questions anyone may have. Remember, avoid lines by buying round-trip train tickets in advance at your station of origin, on better yet, via the MTA eTix app.”

Charlie Howe, U.S. Open Championship Director said “Our local partners from the Long Island Railroad, Suffolk County, the Town of Southampton and New York State have played integral roles in bringing the 118th U.S. Open Championship to life. We want to thank the teams and individuals who worked countless hours behind-the-scenes on the infrastructure, transportation and security for this year’s championship. We are excited to welcome the greatest golfers and fans in the world to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club for golf’s ultimate test.”

The Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County Sheriff's Office, New York State Police, MTA Police Department, SUNY Stony Brook Police, and Southampton Village Police Department will be assisting the Southampton Police Department in providing a safe and secure environment for all persons in and around the 2018 U.S. Open Golf Tournament. The Suffolk County Police Department worked with law enforcement partners in addition to various State, County and Town agencies and the USGA over the past year to develop and refine plans, secure necessary resources and conduct an in-depth tabletop exercise, which tested capabilities and ensured the appropriate communications, response pathways and operational viability of the emergency response plan.

Long Island Rail Road

The Long Island Rail Road has added extra service on the Montauk Branch the week of the U.S. Open to accommodate those traveling to and from the event and to encourage the use of mass transit in order to avoid congestion and parking. The USGA constructed a temporary platform and walkway with in close proximity to the championship entrance. For more information visit: http://web.mta.info/lirr/shinnecock/US-Open-Brochure-2018.pdf

Suffolk County Department of Public Works

The Suffolk County Department of Public Works coordinated with the Town of Southampton to implement the traffic plan for the Championship and is responsible for setting up cones and roadway signs on County Road 31 and County Road 39 leading up to, during, and after the event. Suffolk County DPW also constructed a temporary traffic signal to be placed at County Road 39 and Shrubland Road.

New York State Department of Transportation

New York State Department of Transportation is responsible for any efforts on State roads, while the Town of Southampton will be responsible for placing traffic signals on flash at County Road 39 and Tuckahoe Road, and County Road 39 and Stewart Avenue. The United States Golf Association is responsible for all roadway wayfinding signs for parking areas, drop off areas, and event entry.

Suffolk County EMS

Suffolk County EMS worked with local officials and served as a central coordinating point for the Emergency Medical Action Plan and Public Safety Impact Statement, which in conjunction with the various other public safety agencies culminates into the Emergency Response Plan that addresses routine event medicine and site security. Suffolk County EMS worked with all other agencies to coordinate the development of an Emergency Response Plan. Suffolk County EMS will be on hand at the U.S. Open Championship to provide support on an as needed basis.

Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services

The Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services is providing support to all local emergency management planning and response agencies.

Suffolk County Department of Health Services

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services has coordinated with the two primary and multiple secondary caterers for the U.S. Open, and anticipates issuing over 70 permits for temporary food service. Department of Health public health professionals will maintain a presence on site, providing food safety training, inspection services and continuous partnership in order to ensure that the safest possible food is served at the championship.

Parking

Complimentary parking and shuttle transportation will be provided at Suffolk County’s Francis S. Gabreski Airport located west of Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. Shuttle transportation will be provided to and from the championship entrance and will take approximately 25 minutes. Those looking to be dropped off and picked up from the championship may do so at the designated area located at Stony Brook Southampton. There will be no parking or staging for vehicles at this location, so fans must coordinate pick up times accordingly.

Bike racks will also be provided for those choosing to ride a bicycle at the general parking at Francis S. Gabreski airport and the designated passenger drop-off location at Stony Brook University in Southampton.

In order to significantly reduce concerns of ticks and tick bites, the grass at Francis S. Gabreski has been cut low in the designated parking area. Residents are advised to wear tick repellent while visiting the U.S. Open.

Road Closures

For people residing, working or visiting the East End, please allow for extra travel time to your destination due to anticipated heavier than normal traffic conditions on highways and secondary roadways, road closures and road restrictions.

Tuckahoe Road Closed- From Tuesday, May 29 through 8 a.m., Friday, June 22, Tuckahoe Road, Southampton, from County Road 39 north to Sebonac Road shall be closed to all public traffic, except school busses. From Thursday, June 7, 2018 through Tuesday, June 19, 2018, Tuckahoe Road south from County Road 39 south to SR 27A shall be closed to all public traffic, except school busses.
St. Andrews Road Closed- From Monday June 11through Tuesday, June 19th, St. Andrews Road from County Road 39 south to the entrance to the Greek Orthodox Church will be closed to all public traffic, including bicycles and pedestrians, except school busses. Pedestrians and bicyclists will not be allowed on or along CR 39 to access the U.S. Open. Pedestrians and bicyclists should access the U.S. Open through the Montauk Highway/SR27A side of the Stony Brook Southampton campus.
Knollwood Drive Closed- From Monday, June 11 through Tuesday, June 19 Knollwood Drive will be closed from 6a.m. to 10p.m., except for residents of those roads and school busses.
Country Club Drive Closed- From Monday, June 11 through Tuesday, June 19 Country Club Drive will be closed from 6a.m. to 10p.m., except for residents of those roads and school busses.
Underhill Drive Closed- From Monday, June 11 through Tuesday, June 19 Underhill Drive will be closed from 6a.m. to 10p.m., except for residents of those roads and school busses.
Overlook Drive Closed- From Monday, June 11 through Tuesday, June 19, Overlook Drive will be closed from 6a.m. to 10p.m., except for residents of those roads and school busses.
Terrace Drive Closed- From Monday, June 11 through Tuesday, June 19, Terrace Drive will be closed from 6a.m. to 10p.m., except for residents of those roads and school busses.

Road Restrictions

Inlet Rd East- Right Turn only, June 11 through June 19 from Inlet Road East onto County Road 39 between 6 a.m. and 10a.m., except school busses.
Hills Station Rd-One way, June 11through June 19 Hills Station Road from County Road 39 south to Longview Road will be one way south from 6 a.m. to 10a.m., except school busses.
Shrubland Rd-Right turn only, June 11 through June 19 from Shrubland Road at its intersection with County Road 39 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., except school busses.
CR 39 eastbound- left turn restriction, June 11 through June 19 Bus and Lot F parking only eastbound left turns permitted from CR 39 onto Shrubland 6a.m. to 10a.m.
Greenfield Rd-Right turn only, June 11 through June 19 from Greenfield Road onto County Road 39 between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., except school busses.
St. Andrews Rd West-Right turn only, June 11 through June 19 from Saint Andrews Road West onto County Road 39 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., except school busses.
Tuckahoe Lane- Right turn only, June 11 through June 19 from Tuckahoe Lane onto County Road 39 between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., except school busses.

Restrictions Parking/Standing/Stopping

No parking, standing or stopping restrictions on and north of CR 39, Monday, June 11th through Tuesday June 19th:

Both sides of CR 39 from Inlet Road east to North Sea Road.
Both sides of Shrubland/Sebonac Roads from CR 39 east to Sandy Hollow Road (CR 52) and Cold Springs Harbor Road.
Both sides of Country Club Drive, Knollwood Drive, Underhill Drive, Overlook Drive, Terrace Drive and Tuckahoe Road between the intersections of Sebonac Road and Terrace Drive.
Both sides of North Magee Street, Barkers Island Road and Sebonac Inlet Road south of their intersections with Whites Lane.
Both sides of Tuckahoe Road (closed) and Tuckahoe Lane north and south of CR 39.

Saturday, June 16 through Tuesday June 19:

Both sides of Magee Street from CR 39 north to Sebonac Road.

No parking, standing or stopping restrictions south of CR 39, Monday, June 11th through Tuesday, June 19th:

Both sides of Tuckahoe Road (closed) and Tuckahoe Lane north and south of CR 39.
Both sides of South Magee Street, Moses Lane, North Bishops Lane, Leecon Court and Hubbard Lane.
Both sides of Montauk Highway (SR 27A/CR 80) from Peconic Road east to Tuckahoe Lane.
Both sides of St. Andrews Road (closed except to residents of these roads), Nicholas Court, St. Andrews Circle, Dundee Lane, Aberdeen Lane and Parrish Pond Lane.
Both sides of Atterbury Road, Cedar Drive, Oceanview Drive, Barrow Plance, Landsdown Lane, Sandringham Lane, Kenwood Drive, Sweetbriar Road, Petrel Road, Lillian Lane, Far Pond Road, Middle Pond Road, Gegan Drive, Koral Drive, Dellaria Avenue, Magee Drive, Powers Drive, Little Neck Road, Rebadam Lane, Old Fort Lane, Landing Lane, Pond Crossing and Osceola Lane.
Both sides of Club Drive, Longview Road, Shinnecock Hills Road, Ridge Road, Hill Station Road, Cheviot Road, McGregor Drive, Chivas Court, Blackwatch Court, Scotch Mist Lane and Upland Court.

No parking, standing or stopping restrictions on/adjacent to CR 31, Westhampton, Monday, June 11th through Tuesday, June 19th :

Both sides of Stewart Avenue
Both sides of County Road 31 (Old Riverhead Road) from Stewart Avenue north to Sunrise Highway (SR 27).

THESE RESTRICTIONS INCLUDE MONDAY JUNE 18TH AS A POSSIBLE RAIN DATE. IF THE TOURNAMENT ENDS AS SCHEDULED ON JUNE 17TH THE RESTRICTIONS WILL BE LIFTED ONE DAY EARLY.