'State-Of-The-Art' Maintenance Yard Opened In Suffolk By NYSDOT

HUNTINGTON, NY — A new highway maintenance facility in Huntington was unveiled on Monday by the New York State Department of Transportation. It marks the department's first new yard in 12 years.

The "state-of-the-art" facility opened as the 2022 snow and ice season begins. It will be used to service state roads across Suffolk County.

The new Elwood yard, on East Jericho Turnpike (State Route 25) in the Town of Huntington, will provide a central hub for Department of Transportation operations. The goal of the yard is to lead to more efficient snow and ice removal operations during winter weather. The yard also features the latest technology and clean energy initiatives to help safeguard the environment and better serve Long Island drivers, according to the department.

The yard will oversee about 150 lane miles with approximately 20 workers, 10 plows, and more than 2,500 tons of salt.

"The Department of Transportation has one of the most elite snow fighting forces in the nation and this state-of-the art facility will help our dedicated workers do their jobs even better and be ready for the ever-growing consequences of extreme weather," said Marie Therese Dominguez, commissioner of the state's department of transportation. "This new yard is evidence of Governor Hochul and DOT’s focus on providing Long Islanders with a safe and reliable transportation network that they deserve.”

The department is hiring highway workers/plow operators, mechanics, and other staff to work at the new Elwood yard, at 1901 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington, and across Long Island. New employees will be trained and receive "great benefits" as they serve motorists, according to the department.

The 20 workers based at this new yard will be responsible for maintaining approximately 150 lane miles of state roads, filling potholes, repairing guiderails and street sweeping. Areas in this jurisdiction include:

• Northern State Parkway between the Nassau/Suffolk County line and Commack Road.
• State Route 110 between the Long Island Expressway (Interstate 495) and Youngs Hill Road.
• State Route 25 between the Nassau/Suffolk County line and Commack Road.
• State Route 25A between the Nassau/Suffolk County line and Bread and Cheese Hollow Road.
• State Route 108 between Woodbury Road and Lawrence Hill Road.

"With winter weather approaching, the opening of this new facility will be extremely helpful over the next few months," State Sen. Mario Mattera stated. "This new facility will allow the NYSDOT to respond more effectively to snowstorms by providing the hardworking men and women of the NYSDOT with the tools they need so our motorists are able to travel safely during inclement weather. That is important to our region’s economy and our families.”

The facility will feature exterior and interior LED lighting, plug-in stations for the department's vehicles, and a high-efficiency heating system.

As the winter is kicking off, the NYS Department of Transportation is still accepting job applications for highway maintenance workers/snowplow operators, mechanics, engineers, and office staff. A candidate must be at least 18 years old and pass a physical and drug test. Interested applicants can stop by a local DOT residency, a Regional Fleet shop, or find more information on NYSDOT’s website.