Community Corner

A Second Turning Lane at Ocean and Merrick?

Nassau County looking to realign congested intersection; work could begin next spring.

A long-awaited project to improve traffic conditions at Merrick Road and Ocean Avenue may get underway as early as next year, according to Nassau County and Lynbrook village officials.

"Hopefully, after 14 years, we can get this intersection straightened out a little bit, and paved, and operating much more efficiently," said Phil Healey, superintendent of the village Department of Public Works, noting how long the county has been studying the traffic situation.

The intersection, located on the border of Lynbrook and Rockville Centre, is one of the busiest in the village. Motorists traveling southbound on Ocean Avenue will often find themselves in a bottleneck situation, as only a few cars can fit in the left-turn lane for Merrick Road. The rest have to wait in the straight lane, which blocks southbound traffic. The intersection gets even more congested during the morning and evening rush hours.

"There's a tremendous amount of traffic that wants to make a left turn lane and I don't think they have enough room," Healey said. "That's causing additional traffic spill onto Charles Street and Monroe Street."

County officials are looking to add a second left-turn lane in the southbound lane of Ocean Avenue. There would likely be two straight lanes, as well. To do this, the county would have to widen the intersection. Officials are currently looking to obtain some property from a tool shop and power station located at the intersection.

Michael Martino, spokesman for the county Department of Public Works, said $3 million has been set aside for the project in Nassau's Capital Plan. Officials are currently working on construction documents — which Martino says are 90-percent completed —and the acquisition process. The county then has to bid the project.

In addition to the obvious benefit for motorists, Martino explained that residents walking in the area will also gain from the project.

"This alignment revision will also improve safety for pedestrians," Martino said. "This work includes the installation of new asphalt pavement, curbs, sidewalks, and drainage facilities."

Healey said construction could get underway next spring.


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