Gridlock warning for area around Sunken Meadow State Park on July 4, officials say

New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has issued a warning to people in preparation for heavy traffic near Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park this Fourth of July.

Drivers should expect heavy traffic on the Northern State, Sagtikos, Southern State and Sunken Meadow parkways. In past years, the release warned, the holiday traffic has "caused morning and afternoon gridlock and serious traffic disruptions" on those roadways.

Sunken Meadow State Park, located on the north end of the Sunken Meadow Parkway, is known for its nature trails, boardwalk and beach. The line for entering the park begins forming at 6 a.m.

George Gorman, regional director for the state parks department, said July 4 is the park's busiest morning. He anticipates the park will be closed once it reaches capacity. As more people arrive, they could temporarily trap vehicles, making it difficult to exit the park. Heckscher State Park in Great River is suggested as an alternative destination if Sunken Meadow State Park reaches capacity.

Gorman said  while there have been no prior major accidents on the parkway on July 4, the warning is to let "people know about traffic concerns so that they make their plans, so they don’t sit in heavy traffic. If they go later toward Sunken Meadow, they may be stuck in traffic, so we’re trying to warn them."

Gorman said he expects half a million people at Long Island's state parks, including Jones Beach, over the holiday weekend.