Route 347 Improvement Project Kicks Off, A Year Early: NY DOT

NESCONSET, NY — Route 347 will be getting a needed upgrade, one year ahead of schedule, according to the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT.) The $71.4 million modernization project will "reconstruct and modernize" Route 347 between Gibbs Pond Road and Hallock Road, according to a Tuesday news release from the agency.

The project will create new travel lanes, add traffic signals and crosswalks to increase the safety of the roadway and to east congestion along the two-mile stretch, which the DOT says is a "key segment" of the busy route.

This project is part of a larger initiative to modernize State Route 347, a 1950s-built road that has had trouble withstanding the increase in traffic and population in the Smithtown and Stony Brook area. According to the DOT:

"The new phase will reimagine the roadway by adding a new road surface, raised planted medians and a continuous third travel lane in both directions. Intersections with local roads and the Smith Haven Mall entrances will also be enhanced with new traffic signals and turning lanes to improve traffic flow. Other improvements include:

• Enhanced bus stops with pull-off areas for buses, shaded shelters and solar powered lighting
• Solar-powered pedestrian level lighting at intersections
• Coordinated traffic signals that reduce congestion
• High-visibility crosswalks with pedestrian countdown timers."

The Parks to Ports Greenway shared-use path next to the eastbound lanes will be extended two miles, with more bike racks added.

The project is expected to be complete by 2024.

"The project has been designed to minimize impacts to the traveling public. Work zones will be established behind barriers to avoid affecting daytime traffic and lane closures will be conducted primarily during off-peak and overnight hours," the statement explains.