$6.8 Million Project Underway To Upgrade Parkway Ramps In Nassau County

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — A $6.8 million project is underway to upgrade ramps at the Old Country Road interchange in Nassau County, the State Department of Transportation announced.

NYS DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said that the project aims to enhance safety and improve traffic flow at the interchange of the Wantagh State Parkway and Old Country Road (Exit W2).

The project will modify two existing ramps in the interchange's northwest quadrant to provide additional space for cars to exit and enter the highway, DOT said.

According to DOT, this will also help to reduce traffic queues on the parkway.

Both ramps are from almost 90 years ago and do not meet modern design standards, DOT said.

“Thanks to Governor Hochul’s unwavering commitment to build back our infrastructure, New York State is creating a 21st-century transportation network that will keep our communities connected and prosperous,” Dominguez said. “These improvements to the Old Country Road interchange of the Wantagh State Parkway will make it easier to exit and enter the highway and improve mobility for tens of thousands of Long Island drivers who travel along this busy artery every day.”

The Old Country Road interchange is located near three major towns— Hempstead, North Hempstead, and Oyster Bay.

The entrance ramp from westbound Old Country Road to southbound Wantagh State Parkway will also be reconstructed to soften the curve and extend the acceleration lane, DOT said. This will provide more room for traffic to enter the highway.

The exit ramp from southbound Wantagh State Parkway to westbound Old Country Road will also undergo work, including realignment and extension. This will enhance traffic flow and reduce the potential for hazardous situations caused by queuing on the parkway.

According to DOT, both ramps are expected to stay open during the construction and renovations.

At the intersections with Old Country Road, there are plans to add new drainage structures, new steel guardrails, and upgraded curb ramps and pedestrian facilities.

To reduce carbon impacts and help filter stormwater, and help insects, birds, and other animals, there will be new plantings featuring trees, shrubs, and native pollinator plants added.

The project is scheduled to be completed by summer 2026, DOT said.

"Long Island depends on safe, reliable roadways to ensure smooth travel for thousands of commuters, yet outdated infrastructure in some of our busiest areas can create congestion that slows families and workers alike," State Senator Siela Bynoe said.

“This project will make a critically important and highly trafficked location much safer," Assemblymember Charles D. Lavine said.