Equipment malfunction snarled Long Island Expressway commute this week
The state said an equipment malfunction during an LIE pavement repair project caused traffic jams Tuesday morning. Credit: Newsday/Reggie Lewis
To drivers who were stuck in a traffic jam Tuesday morning while going east on the Long Island Expressway, the state Department of Transportation sends its apologies.
An asphalt spreader malfunction closed several eastbound lanes during the morning rush hour between exits 37 and 41. Workers manually made repairs, which shut down lanes longer than planned and caused traffic delays, according to Stephen Canzoneri, a spokesman for the department.
Lanes reopened at 10:30 a.m.
"The State Department of Transportation apologizes to the traveling public for the inconvenience," Canzoneri wrote in an email.
Online, some drivers took to the social media site Reddit to voice frustration. One post elicited dozens of comments about the delays and late arrivals at work.
The department's current five-year capital plan includes $2.1 billion investments in Long Island's roads and bridges.
Other ongoing state DOT roadwork projects are being performed on Sunrise Highway in Islip, Route 347 in Smithtown and Brookhaven, and Jericho Turnpike in Westbury/Old Westbury. Most of the roadwork is scheduled during the night to avoid delays.
Lanes reopened at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Credit: Newsday/Reggie Lewis
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