Drawbridge check closes part of Wantagh Pkwy.

Northbound lanes of the Wantagh Parkway in Hempstead will be closed Monday to allow for safety inspections on the drawbridge over Sloop Creek, the New York State of Department of Transportation said.

Inspections of the bridge's locking devices mean the parkway will be closed to northbound traffic between Ocean Parkway and Merrick Road from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., the DOT said in a news release.

The locking devices must operate properly to ensure safe travel for motorists and vessels, the release said.

The Wantagh Parkway's multiuse path also will be closed during the inspection period. Motorists traveling north on the parkway will be detoured to the northbound Meadowbrook State Parkway.

Motorists are urged to use alternate routes. Drivers on the parkway are encouraged to drive carefully, follow postings for detours, and obey the posted construction speed limit.