Walt Whitman Road's Wider Bridge Construction Complete

MELVILLE, NY — A new, wider overpass that carries Walt Whitman Road over the Long Island Expressway in Melville was completed, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Thursday.

The new Walt Whitman Road Bridge replaced a structure built in 1962 and was no longer suitable for the roughly 164,000 vehicles that traveled the structure each day, according to the New York State Department of Transportation. The $28.2 million replacement project was a part of $42 million in bridge replacement and rehabilitation work across Suffolk County.

"New York State continues to build back better with projects of all sizes that enhance safety and facilitate commerce across Long Island," Cuomo stated via news release. "By investing in our infrastructure, we are creating a more sustainable transportation system that eases travel while also expanding economic opportunities for New Yorkers."

Two southbound lanes, one northbound lane and two northbound left-turn lanes were built as part of the project, and the service road intersections were widened to alleviate congestion. Wide shoulders and sidewalks were also added in both directions for bicyclists and pedestrians. Curb ramps and upgraded pedestrian crossing signals were installed on the North and South Service Roads.

"The widened Walt Whitman Road overpass is a critical infrastructure improvement that will now support increased traffic flow and safety in the Melville commercial corridor," Huntington Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci stated.

The new, two-span structure was built with metalized steel girders that do not require repainting. The structure is also jointless, giving the bridge a smoother riding surface.

In addition to the Walt Whitman Road project, a $14.4 million project that saw the refurbishing or repairing of four Suffolk bridges is done. The reconstruction, which finished five months ahead of schedule, includes new concrete riding decks and fresh paint. The repairs were made to the following bridges:

• The eastbound and westbound Long Island Expressway spans over River Road in the Town of Riverhead.
• Westbound State Route 25 (Middle Country Road) over Suffolk County Route 58 (Old Country Road), Town of Riverhead.

A steel girder that was damaged in a crash on the Lincoln Avenue Bridge over Sunrise Highway in the Town of Islip was also repaired.

"With the completion of these projects, several key sections of roadway are now safer and easier for our residents to navigate," Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said. "I would like to thank the Governor for once again investing in important infrastructure projects here in Suffolk County that not only improve quality of life but also enhance the flow of commerce in our region."