Funding Approved For Design Phase Of Smith Point Bridge Replacement

SHIRLEY, NY — Suffolk lawmakers on Tuesday approved $110,000 in capital funding for the design phase of the Smith Point Bridge's replacement, Legis. James Mazzarella's office said Thursday.

The move is the next stage toward the completion of a new bridge.

The bridge was built in the 1950s, and plans to build a new one have been in the works for at least five years.

The new bridge is expected to have a multi-purpose, handicap-accessible path, which can be used by pedestrians, as well as bikers.

It is expected that there will be a 55-foot vertical clearance for the new bridge, an overlook, and the plans will include new recreational courts and bathrooms for the park.

Bids for the project were due back at the beginning of December, however, it was not immediately clear if one had been awarded.

The news comes one month after the bridge's weight limit was reduced to 3 tons, or around 6,000 lbs, in November, after a routine inspection by the state's Department of Transportation found the deterioration.

The bridge's weight limit has since been increased back to its original 15 tons, but with a one-way traffic pattern and traffic signals.

Visitors who travel over the bridge can now only access both lanes on the northbound side, but close to the drawbridge, a portion of the eastbound lane has been cordoned off with safety cones, and restricted travel on the westbound side, shifting it instead to the eastbound side.

The drawbridge area has not been restricted.

New signage has been installed, illustrating the return to the 15-ton weight limit.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine last month signed an executive order to expedite funding and repairs needed for the bridge, which was flagged by the state's Department of Transportation for having structural deterioration that needed "immediate attention."

At the time, Romaine said in a post on Facebook that "Public safety is our top priority," explaining that the county is working in coordination with the DOT.

Romaine said the county will continue to monitor the bridge’s condition while expediting the process to start construction for the bridge replacement in 2026.

Mazzarella, whose district covers the bridge, previously said that the one-lane traffic pattern remains in effect "while critical repairs continue" and that the traffic signals are temporary and in place "to safely manage the flow of vehicles."

Contractors will be "mobilized immediately to address the deficiencies" identified by the DOT, "with the goal of restoring normal traffic patterns by spring," he said.

Construction of the new bridge has been accelerated, according to Mazzarella.

County officials will move quickly to award a contract and break ground, Mazzarella said.

"Thank you to everyone for your patience throughout this process," he said. "We have a passionate community that cares deeply about our oceanfront park, and I share your commitment to maintaining safe, reliable access to our beautiful beach."

"We are working diligently to ensure there are no further interruptions in access as these improvements move forward," he added.