Long Island roadways are slated to get $7 million for safety improvements following an announcement by Gov. Kathy Hochul, State Sen. Monica R. Martinez and the New York State Department of Transportation.  The funding is part of more than $32 million being provided by the state to help local governments enhance safety on their roads by reducing instances of vehicles straying from travel lanes.  Statewide, 44 percent of crash fatalities occur as a result of vehicles departing from their lanes.

These roadway improvements are tied to New York’s comprehensive “Safe System” approach toward zero highway deaths and are designed to improve safety.  On Long Island, $6.3 million of the award will be used to install centerline rumble strips, shoulder rumble strips, guide rails, edgeline markings and curve warning signs on William Floyd Parkway, Nicolls Road, Edwards Avenue, Nugent Drive and Quogue Riverhead Road, with the remaining $700,000 used to install guide rails on the Sunrise Highway Service Road, Bellport Avenue, Station Road, Horseblock Road and Leeds Boulevard.

“New Yorkers expect the highest level of safety whether they are traveling on a town street, a county road or a state highway,” said Martinez.  “As chair of the Senate’s Local Government Committee, I know this funding will help municipalities make safety improvements that reduce the risk of head-on collisions and accidents caused by vehicles leaving the roadway.  I thank Governor Hochul and the State Department of Transportation for working alongside local leaders to make their roads safer for everyone who relies on them.”

In a statement at the time of the announcement, Gov. Hochul said, “Keeping New Yorkers safe is my highest priority as governor, and that includes making every effort to improve safety on our roads for drivers and pedestrians.  This funding gives local governments the resources needed to save lives by implementing improvements that keep drivers more aware and reduce instances of vehicles straying from travel lanes, which can often have deadly consequences.  One death on our roads is too many, and we will continue to invest in proven solutions to enhance safety and achieve our goal of zero deaths on New York’s roads.”

Project funding is being provided through the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Safety Improvement Program, which supports the planning and construction of proven safety measures designed to prevent roadway and lane departures or reduce the severity of related crashes.  Eligible improvements include upgraded pavement markings, advance warning signage for curves, rumble strips and median barriers, among other treatments.  The funding announced for Long Island and across New York builds on an additional $90 million that has been allocated for safety improvements on roads within the state highway system.