Long Island Expressway paving project completed between Exits 67 and 69

A six-mile stretch of the Long Island Expressway between Exits 67 and 69 has been restored at a cost of $17.7 million, replacing portions that were more than 50 years old, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office announced Tuesday.

The work between Yaphank Avenue and Wading River Road began two years ago, in the fall of 2023, and "removed and replaced deteriorated sections of the concrete road surface, enhancing safety and easing travel along one of Long Island’s busiest commuter arteries," Hochul’s office said in a news release.

The old concrete had been installed when the highway was built in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

That was replaced with "new, high-strength concrete, designed to better withstand heavy daily traffic and seasonal temperature fluctuations," the release said.

"Crews also sealed cracks and pavement joints, restored the shoulders where needed, and installed new reflective pavement markings to extend the durability of the six-mile stretch of highway and to ensure a more comfortable driving experience. The repairs will also reduce future maintenance needs."

The project was staged during overnight hours and off-peak, in order to minimize inconvenience to travelers, the release said.

Among forthcoming projects, according to the state Department of Transportation website:

• Routing and sealing asphalt pavement cracks as well as repairing joint overlay on the LIE from Exits 48 to 64. The $4.6 million project is scheduled to begin in the spring and end next winter.
• Asphalt pavement resurfacing from Exit 40 to the Nassau-Suffolk line. The $31 million project is scheduled to begin in spring 2026 and be completed the following spring. 
• Pavement rehabilitation from Exits 48 to 55. The $55 million project is expected to begin in the winter of 2033-34 and be completed the next fall.

By Matthew Chayes

matthew.chayes@newsday.comchayesmatthew

Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.