State roads create 'horrendous' driving conditions, Suffolk legislators say

Long Island lawmakers on Friday called on Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to fast track repairs to the some of the most traveled state roadways, many of which create "horrendous and extremely dangerous driving conditions" for county residents and tourists.

All 17 Republicans and Democrats on the Suffolk County Legislature, led by Legis. Nick Caracappa (R-Selden), signed a letter pointing out conditions on the Long Island Expressway, Sunrise Highway and Middle Country Road (Route 25), among others, that fall under state jurisdiction.

"These roadways are currently in deplorable condition and require immediate attention and proper, long-term repair," the May 11 letter says.

" … Whether it be for work or leisure, commuters place themselves in harm's way when entering these roadways throughout Suffolk County and beyond," the lawmakers wrote.

Hours later, Cuomo's office announced $30.6 million in projects to resurface and repair about 20 miles of five state roads in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

"Safe and reliable roadways are the lifeblood of our communities and are critical for keeping us economically competitive," Cuomo said in a statement. "As we lay the groundwork for our post-COVID reconstruction and recovery, projects like these will allow for safer and more efficient travel across Long Island for residents and visitors alike."

Caracappa recalled a personal experience on the LIE earlier this month.

He said a vehicle swerved suddenly from the middle lane to the left lane to avoid "what can only be described as a crater-sized pothole." That caused another driver in the left lane to move into the HOV lane, forcing a minivan carrying children to brake abruptly.

Caracappa said he and several other drivers, had to "slam on our brakes to avoid collision." There were no accidents or injuries as a result of the incident, Caracappa said.

In a statement Friday, Nassau County Legis. Bill Gaylor (R-Lynbrook) said state-maintained roads in Nassau were "in an unacceptable state of disrepair."

Gaylor said he hears "horror stories all the time from constituents talking about flat tires from potholes, and other car damage and safety issues stemming from unsafe road conditions. I urge the state to immediately act and expedite road repairs in Nassau County and across Long Island."

In a written response to the letter from Suffolk county legislators, State Department of Transportation spokesman Stephen Canzoneri called it "no secret that Long Island had a very tough winter that exacerbated the freeze thaw cycle on pavement located on state roads."

Canzoneri said the state spent more than $127 million on Long Island to repave nearly 450 lane miles with asphalt or refurbished concrete from April 2019 to March 2021.

The state also plans to spend $164.7 million to repave nearly 500 lane miles on highways including the Long Island Expressway and Southern State Parkway, Canzoneri said.

All members of the Suffolk and Nassau county legislatures are up for reelection in November.

Also, in a letter Wednesday to Cuomo and the state DOT, the 10 Suffolk town supervisors said the condition of the highways cited by the county legislators "at the very least causes flat tires and minor damage to vehicles or at the very worst major accidents that could result in severe injury or even death."

By Candice Ferrette

candice.ferrette@newsday.comcandiceferrette

Candice Ferrette covers Nassau County government and politics on Long Island. She has been a reporter at Newsday since 2011.