South Shore residents call for traffic relief at Mastic community meeting
Residents say congestion on South Shore roads has become unbearable and are urging local leaders to pursue long-term solutions.
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A packed house gathered in Mastic as neighbors voiced their frustrations to elected leaders over worsening traffic conditions on the South Shore.
Residents said they are fed up with traffic tie-ups and are calling for changes to improve travel throughout the area.
"I dread the thought of trying to get out of this place and I'm only a few blocks away, but it is going to take forever," said Eleanor Weeks, of Mastic.
Drivers said improvements are needed along Mastic Road, William Floyd Parkway, Montauk Highway and Sunrise Highway.
"It sometimes takes 30 minutes to just get by this intersection. It is horrible," said William Page, of Mastic.
People living in the area are calling for grade crossings over train tracks and lane widening projects to help ease congestion.
"We're looking for a triple lane from the Smith Point Bridge on William Floyd Parkway all the way to the expressway," said Joe May, committee chair of the Mastic Park Civic Association.
Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro said the town is exploring possible solutions.
"We looked at possibly doing eminent domain. Could we take property on the east side of Mastic Road to add an extra lane or two across the tracks to move more vehicles?" Losquadro said.
Jonathan Gordon's earlier coverage:
Losquadro also called on Suffolk County and the MTA for assistance.
The MTA told News 12 it is "studying ways to eliminate four separate crossings. The MTA also welcomes the construction of underpasses or overpasses to replace at-grade crossings provided they are funded through non-MTA sources."
As News 12 has reported, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and state Sen. Dean Murray this week also called for a third lane to be added to Sunrise Highway between Exit 53, Route 112, and Exit 59, Wading River Road.
News 12 reached out to Suffolk County for comment but has not yet heard back.
