Expect Long Island Expressway lane closures as DOT updates signs before Clean Pass Program ends

Long Island Expressway lanes in Suffolk County will be closed overnight throughout the next week in an effort to fix signs before the Clean Pass Program ends this month.

The Department of Transportation announced Thursday the HOV, left and center lanes would close effective immediately in both directions between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. for about a week as overhead signs are replaced.

Work began Thursday and will occur periodically throughout the week. Exact locations of closures will vary each day and can be found on the DOT's website, 511NY.org.

As of Friday afternoon, the website indicated motorists should be aware of possible lane closures Friday through Saturday at the following locations:

• Exit 59 — Ocean Avenue (Route 93)
• Exit 58 — Old Nichols Road
• Exit 55 — Motor Parkway (Route 67)
• Exit 50 — Bagatelle Road 

Motorists should continue to check the site for updates.

Weather permitting, the department expects work to be completed by Tuesday, spokesperson Glenn Blain said.

The Clean Pass program, which allows solo drivers in electric and plug-in hybrid cars to use the high-occupancy vehicle lanes on the Long Island Expressway, is set to end on Sept. 30.

The federal government has not renewed permission for New York and 14 other states to grant the exemptions on federal highways for zero-emission vehicles.

About 79,000 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids drive on Long Island roads, or about 3% of all registered vehicles, according to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the Department of Motor Vehicles.