Town Launches Canoe Place Traffic Reduction Program

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — A new program is set to launch in Hampton Bays with an eye toward mitigating South Fork traffic woes.

On March 31, the Southampton Town Police Department, in conjunction with the Southampton Town Highway Department, will launch the Canoe Place Traffic Reduction Program, meant to address the ongoing seasonal traffic congestion in Southampton Town, officials said.

The Canoe Place Traffic Reduction Program will be implemented on weekdays between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. To that end, the traffic light at the intersection of Montauk Highway and Canoe Place Road will be set to flash, and no left turns will be permitted at that intersection. Other traffic lane modifications will also be deployed to facilitate traffic flow through the intersection, officials said.

The program schedule will be put on hold during the spring school break week of April 14 to 18. Weather considerations that impact traffic volume may also affect the schedule. The Police Department will communicate this information through its website and by the use of message boards.

Southampton Town Police officers will be posted to assure motorists’ safety, and town's highway department staff will be posted as well to deploy traffic cones, signage, and electronic message boards to alert and inform motorists traveling through the intersection, officials said. Motorists are encouraged to support the efforts by adhering to traffic laws, practicing defensive driving, and being mindful of pedestrians and other road users, officials added.

Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore said the town board is committed to maintaining the program as part of the larger effort to find ways to mitigate traffic congestion townwide. The program will be in place until the end of September, at which point it will be subject to review and possible extension.

For further information, contact either the Supervisor’s Office, or Police Captain Howard Kalb at hkalb@southamptontownny.gov.