(Patchogue, NY) – New York State and Suffolk County elected officials, today joined with contractors, labor representatives and first responders in calling for the expansion of Sunrise Highway from Patchogue to Moriches. State Senator Dean Murray and State Assemblyman Joe DeStefano are pushing to extend the 3-lane portion of the roadway in both directions between Exits 53 (NY-Rte. 112) and 59 (Wading River Rd.) to help address growing traffic congestion across Eastern Long Island.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a significant increase in new residents to Long Island, particularly Eastern Long Island, placing additional demands on the already strained transportation infrastructure. As the region continues to grow, commuters, residents, businesses, and emergency responders are facing increased congestion and longer travel times.

 

Together, the group is calling on New York State to prioritize the Sunrise Highway expansion between Exits 53 and 59 and begin the necessary planning and funding process to move the project forward.

 

“Investing in our infrastructure is vital to our workforce and our future. Eastern Long Island has changed dramatically over the past several years, and our infrastructure needs to keep pace with that growth. Sunrise Highway is a critical artery for our residents, workers, businesses, and first responders. Adding a third lane in both directions between Exit 53 and Exit 59 will help improve traffic flow, enhance safety, create jobs, and support the continued growth of our communities,” stated NYS Senator Dean Murray, 3rd Senate District. 

“Widening Sunrise Highway is the kind of infrastructure investment motorists need. We pay billions in state and federal taxes, and we should receive our fair share of transportation funding in return. Senator Murray and I, along with the community leaders here today, are united in making the case that this project deserves to be a priority. For far too long, we have been forced to take a back seat to New York City’s transportation needs. No more. Let’s bring our infrastructure dollars home, starting right here with a new lane on one of Long Island’s busiest highways,” stated NYS Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, 3rd Assembly District.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine expressed his support for the plan, saying the proposal is about more than easing congestion; it is about preparing Eastern Long Island for continued growth while ensuring that infrastructure investments keep pace with the needs of residents.

“Suffolk County needs to improve its infrastructure to increase safety and improve the brutal traffic this area creates. Thank you to Senator Dean Murray and our Suffolk County delegation for taking this issue to Albany,” stated Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine.

“Sunrise Highway is one of the most important roadways in Suffolk County, and residents should not have to accept unnecessary traffic backups and delays as a fact of life. That is why I support investing in the infrastructure necessary to expand Sunrise Highway from two lanes to three lanes between Exits 53 and 59. This stretch of roadway serves thousands of residents, commuters, and local businesses, and improving its capacity would help keep Suffolk moving. As our communities continue to grow, our infrastructure needs to keep pace. Smart investments in our roads mean less time sitting in traffic, safer and more reliable travel, and a stronger local economy. Suffolk County residents deserve infrastructure that meets the needs of today while preparing us for tomorrow. I will continue to advocate for the investments and partnerships necessary to address congestion and improve the quality of life for the people who live and work here,” stated Suffolk County Legislative Presiding Officer Anthony Piccirillo, 8th District.

 

“First and foremost, I’m appreciative that New York State Senator Dean Murray has maintained a consistent focus on addressing constituent concerns and putting their needs first. Traffic buildup at the NYU Langone Hospital exit currently delays ambulance access, and the high concentration of motor vehicles in the area raises additional environmental concerns. Residents and patients alike have expressed concerns about carbon emissions and air quality. They are also worried about their safety along these roads,” stated Suffolk County Legislator Dominick Thorne, 7th District.

“Traffic throughout Suffolk County has increased significantly over time, and we are seeing the impact of that growth firsthand on our major roadways. The area of Sunrise Highway near Exit 53, where the highway narrows from three lanes to two, has become a chokepoint resulting in backups and unnecessary delays for motorists. Expanding Sunrise Highway farther east would provide additional roadway capacity, improve the overall flow of traffic, and help alleviate congestion in this increasingly busy corridor. I fully support initiatives that will improve traffic flow and make it easier and safer for residents to get where they need to go,” stated Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella, 3rd District.

"Today our agency joins with our local elected leadership, the trade unions and other interested parties in calling on NY State to expand Sunrise Highway to three lanes wide in both directions from Route 112 to Wading River Rd.  The current roadway is outdated and not capable of handling the volume of vehicles that use it.  This lack of capability often leads to backups in the area extending miles at times, often impacting on the safe navigation of emergency vehicles, more specifically ambulances trying to get the sick and injured to the hospital. The widening of the roadway would be a positive step in addressing some of the issues that make the safe navigation of emergency vehicles on Sunrise Highway in this area so dangerous," stated Greg Miglino Jr., Chief of the Department of South Country Ambulance. 

“Sunrise Highway is a critical artery for Long Island, but our infrastructure has not kept pace with the growth and changing needs of the communities it serves. Extending the three-lane portion of the highway to Wading River Road is a commonsense investment that will improve safety, ease congestion, strengthen access for emergency responders, and better connect residents and businesses across Suffolk County. LICA is proud to stand with our partners in government and labor in calling for this long-overdue project to move forward. Investing in our roads means investing in Long Island’s economy, workforce, and quality of life for generations to come,” stated Marc Herbst, Executive Director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association.

Labor leaders joined the call, emphasizing that reliable transportation infrastructure is essential to getting workers to job sites, supporting local businesses, and maintaining a strong regional economy.

“Operating Engineers Local 138 proudly supports the expansion of Sunrise Highway to three lanes. This critical investment will improve safety, reduce congestion, and create good-paying union jobs for Long Island’s hardworking men and women,” stated John Duffy, Business Manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 138.