State To Spend Millions To Improve Long Beach Roads, Fix Buses

New York State is planning on spending a few million dollars on road improvements in the City of Long Beach over the next two years.

The project plans were revealed in documents released by the state Department of Transportation, outlining all the projects the agency is expecting to undergo between now and 2019.

In 2017 and 2018, the state plans to spend about $4 million on a plethora of projects in Long Beach, from the simple to the complex.

"Thank you to Governor Cuomo for funding much-needed upgrades to Long Beach roads and buses," said Senator Todd Kaminsky. "These projects will improve the safety and convenience of Long Beach streets for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and those who use public transportation. I will continue to advocate that the South Shore receive its fair share of funding for road improvements and other infrastructure upgrades."

The largest single portion of the funds is $1.3 million that the state is planning to use to improve crosswalks and more. The state plans to construct bike lanes along Edwards Boulevard that would connect the train station to the beach.

Also in the plan is are sidewalk improvements around the city that will put in 18 crosswalks. To help make the city streets nicer to look at, crosswalks with planted medians will be built at four city intersections. The exact details have yet to be released.

A significant portion of the work relates to the bus system in Long Beach. The state is going to replace to two heavy-duty buses that were damaged by Hurricane Sandy. It is also going to replace 33 bus stop shelters in the city that have "met their useful lives." The state is also budgeting $1 million to make repairs to the Long Beach bus fleet and its facilities. It is also investing in a new electronic fare collection system for Long Beach buses.

The state also plans on making repairs to the city's main bus station, which is located at the rail road station. The plan includes repainting and resealing the parking deck, replacing and adding new lighting, and other minor repairs to "address the state of good repair."

Photo: Patch