State to begin $3.5M in upgrades to Port Washington intersection near St. Francis Hospital

The New York State Department of Transportation has begun construction on a $3.5 million project to improve safety at a busy intersection on the Port Washington peninsula. 

The work, at the intersection of Port Washington Boulevard and Middle Neck Road in the village of Flower Hill, near St. Francis Hospital, will "enhance safety and improve travel for motorists, pedestrians and transit users," according to a news release. 

Port Washington Boulevard carries about 30,000 vehicles every day, the release states.

"This intersection is one of the busiest in our town," North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said in a statement. "These upgrades will help make it safer and for drivers, pedestrians, patients, and emergency vehicles to get through the area every day."

The improvements include new sidewalks along Port Washington Boulevard between Middle Neck Road and the NICE bus stop, as well as southbound along Port Washington Boulevard; a crosswalk across Middle Neck Road and the hospital's southern entrance; changes to a traffic signal to include audible pedestrian signals as well as countdown timers; and new and larger turning lanes. 

Construction is expected to wrap up by the end of the year, according to the release, and "will be staged to maintain traffic flow and minimize disruptions."

"This is a very busy intersection located right in the heart of Nassau County and I appreciate New York State’s efforts to improve the quality of life for local residents," said Mariann Dalimonte, a North Hempstead councilwoman who represents Port Washington, in a statement. 

By Joshua Needelman

joshua.needelman@newsday.com

Joshua Needelman covers the Town of North Hempstead for Newsday. A Long Island native and University of Maryland graduate, his work has appeared in publications including The New York Times and The Washington Post.