Loop Parkway Closed Nights for Final Drawbridge Repairs

Just when you thought the repairs were completed on the Loop Parkway Draw Bridge, the structure will be closed to motorists for additional repairs scheduled each day, Tuesday through Friday, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., this week.

The New York State Department of Transportation, which owns and operates the 75-year-old drawbridge that spans the Jones Beach Inlet, said final repairs must be made to complete the work that has been ongoing since last spring. 

"This should take care of the last of the repairs," said DOT spokeswoman Eileen Peters. "Hopefully this will ensure the safety of the bridge for motorists for a long time to come."

Local emergency service providers, officials and area schools were notified of the night-time closures, the DOT said, and electronic road signs have been posted on roads to alert motorists that the parkway will be closed. As alternative routes, motorists can use both the Long Beach-Michael Valente Bridge and the Atlantic Beach Bridge.

In October, the DOT closed the parkway for four full days, so that workers could reinforced the steel that holds the drawbridge's counterweight, which allows it to open and close, in order to avert any long-term negative impact on the bridge's operation.

"We do keep a very close eye on all the bridges, particularly over those waters that are subjected to extreme ravages of weather and climate, so if repairs are needed in the future, we'll be back," Peters said. "But for now this should take care of this particular repair."

For 24/7 up-to-date traffic and travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit www.511NY.org.  In addition, travel information can be obtained from the INFORM Transportation Management Center cameras as www.INFORMNY.com and on their hand held communication devices at www.INFORMNY.mobi.