Gov. Cuomo Outlines Nassau Expressway Improvements In The Five Towns

Gov. Andrew Cuomo came to the Five Towns Community Center in Lawrence over the weekend to discuss the state's plans to improve the Nassau Expressway.

It was announced two weeks ago that the state was planning to spend millions to renovate the state Department of Transportation was planning on spending millions to fix the road, which is plagued by potholes and flooding. But many details of the plan -- such as what exactly would be fixed -- were still in the dark.

Cuomo came to Lawrence to shed light on the work and lay out a timetable for when the Nassau Expressway, officially known as Route 878, would be repaired.

"The Nassau Expressway serves as a vital lifeline for millions of New Yorkers – and we must ensure this roadway is prepared to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws our way," Cuomo said. "By starting work on this project in 2019, we will complete the work six years ahead of schedule, strengthening the resiliency and protection of this major artery and enhancing the safety and security of our state’s residents, visitors and travelers for years to come. These major upgrades will support the continued growth of our economy and keep all of Long Island moving forward."

The planned upgrades for the road tackle a few issues at once. The project will include new pedestrian signals and a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists; new drainage systems to eliminate recurring flooding; and new traffic signals and turning lanes.

The state says that the addition of new and improved lanes and signals will significantly reduce congestion and improve roadway and pedestrian safety for the tens of thousands of motorists who use this road each day. The funding for this project was included as part of the Department of Transportation’s new $21.1 billion capital plan, the largest transportation plan ever approved in NYSDOT history.

The original funding was set at $110 million, but Cuomo announced $130 is being set aside for the work.

"Governor Cuomo's decision to move up the overhaul of NY878 and substantially increase funding to over $100 million will protect a vital piece of infrastructure -- and the New Yorkers who rely on it -- for decades to come," said Sen. Todd Kaminsky, who has been pushing for repairs to be made to the road ever since he took office. "I am proud of our efforts with the South Shore community that led to this historic investment on behalf of Long Islanders. Finally Nassau County will have an expressway it can depend on."

Approximately 40,000 vehicles travel along Nassau Expressway daily, making it one of the South Shore’s major transportation arteries. In addition to connecting drivers to both New York City and John F. Kennedy International Airport, NY 878 also serves as a designated evacuation route for ambulances, fire vehicles, police cars and South Shore residents in the event of a natural disaster.

The roadway is one of only three points of evacuation for tens of thousands of residents of the Long Beach Barrier Island, and was heavily utilized during Hurricane Sandy as an evacuation route as well as a thruway for emergency goods and services.

"With the complete overhaul of this section of Route 878, Long Islanders and visitors alike will see key improvements to one of the region's major thoroughfares," said Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano. "With increased safety and other essential upgrades, this area will be better prepared for future storm that comes our way."

Photo: Gov. Cuomo's Office