Loop Pkwy Bridge Lane Closed for Four Days

A single right lane on the westbound side of the Look Parkway drawbridge will be closed for the next four days.

According to a travel advisory from the New York State Department of Transportation, this around-the-clock closure is needed to complete preventive maintenance repairs to the 75-year-old drawbridge to help assure its safe operation. 

A single westbound lane remains open to motorists along with the two eastbound travel lanes, and the bridge, which spans the Jones Beach Inlet, is still operating to accommodate mariners.

Local emergency service providers, officials and area schools have been notified of the single-lane closure, and motorists are being warned in advance of the closure via electronic roadway signs, according to the advisory.

The DOT reminds motorists that to avoid possibly delays, they can use the Long Beach Bridge or Atlantic Beach Bridge as alternative routes.

Last October, the DOT closed the parkway for four full days, one day less than was scheduled, so that workers could reinforced the steel that holds the drawbridge's counterweight, which allows it to open and close, in order to avert any long-term negative impact on the bridge's operation. But in December, the structure was closed to motorists again for four day to perform additional repairs.

“This should take care of the last of the repairs," DOT spokeswoman Eileen Peters said in December. "Hopefully this will ensure the safety of the bridge for motorists for a long time to come."

This week's bridge repair operation may be cancelled, postponed, or prolonged due to inclement weather.  For 24/7 up-to-date traffic and travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit www.511NY.org.  In addition, travel information can be obtained from the INFORM Transportation Management Center cameras at www.INFORMNY.com and on their hand held communication devices at www.INFORMNY.mobi.