Southern State Parkway construction on Sagtikos connector complete, state DOT says

Construction on a heavily traveled connector between the eastbound Southern State Parkway and the Sagtikos State Parkway has been completed, the New York State Department of Transportation announced this week.

The $2 million project features safety updates and improvements to the ramp at eastbound Exit 41A in Bay Shore, a connector the state estimates carries 34,000 vehicles daily — on what state officials called "one of Long Island's busiest highways."

"Safety is our top priority and investing in smart transportation solutions on Long Island is critical, especially as it relates to these two parkways that play such an important role in Long Islanders' daily routines," Marie Therese Dominguez,  state DOT commissioner, said in a statement.

The DOT said it believes the upgrades will "improve mobility, and provide easier navigation for motorists."

The improvements touted include: reflective, ground-mounted chevrons to guide drivers along the ramp's reduced-speed curve; additional pavement markings with "increased visibility" to ensure drivers understand and can follow the exit ramp lane configurations; overhead exit signage with what the state called a "clearer lane navigation diagram" that includes the notation "Left Lane Must Exit" in addition to a 45 mph speed advisory and more.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a Newsday reporter since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press, Society of the Silurians and National Headliner Awards for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing. He is the author of “Swee'pea,” about New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. His debut crime novel, “For Nothing Is Hidden,” rooted in 1950s Long Island, was released in October 2025.