Project Is Part of Proposed Amendment to the State Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP); Proposed Project Would Cost $12.53 Million and Rehabilitate Nearly 10 Miles of Montauk Highway from CR 39 to Stephen Hands Path. Work Would Begin in 2013 New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) today announced that the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) has granted his request and that of 10 other elected officials representing areas traversed by Montauk Highway, the key South Fork arterial. The agency has agreed to amend the State Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) to include reconstruction of a 10 mile stretch of Montauk Highway from CR 39 to Stephen Hands Path. The proposed construction would cost approximately $12.53 million. State DOT already had scheduled the reconstruction of a 2.3 mile stretch of the highway from SR 114 to Stephen Hands Path for the spring of this year. Thiele had spearheaded an effort with federal, state, county, and local officials to expand the 2.3 mile project in a letter dated February 7, 2013 (attached) to the Governor and State DOT Commissioner. Thiele stated, “Congressman Bishop, State Senator Ken LaValle, County Legislator Jay Schneiderman, and every South Fork Supervisor and Mayor joined with me to request the reconstruction of Montauk Highway. Not only did the Governor and Commissioner Joan McDonald respond favorably, they were quick in responding so that this project can get underway in 2013. I thank them for their fast action.” The project would be funded by federal and state funds. The comment period on the proposed amendment to the TIP will end on March 22. After that, the project will be included in the TIP and detailed design work will begin. The construction of the segment between SR 114 and Stephen Hands Path will begin this spring and the remaining work from Stephen Hands Path to CR 39 will commence after Labor Day this year. Thiele added, “I urge all local elected officials and the public to weigh in with the State DOT before the Friday deadline. Comments should be submitted to: New York Metropolitan Transportation Council
Attn: David Drits
199 Water Street, 22nd Floor
New York, New York 10038
Email: davis.drits@dot.ny.gov
(212) 383-7268 Thiele concluded, “The importance of this highway cannot be underestimated. It is the only major road bringing people to and from the South Fork of Long Island. There is no alternative route. It is the most highly trafficked road on eastern Long Island. It is essential for both local residents and the substantial second home industry. It is important for business and commerce in that the delivery of goods and services as well as the transportation of workers and tradesmen depend on this road. Most important, local fire, ambulance, and emergency service workers depend on this road to do their jobs, particularly to transport patients to Southampton Hospital. Finally, in the case of an emergency or disaster, this road is the only evacuation route for the region. At a time when the economy has suffered from a deep recession, this project will mean not only construction jobs but will also foster the tourism/second home based economy of the region. Now, the entire stretch from Southampton to East Hampton will be repaved.”