Nesconset to study site of crash that injured teen

An intersection in Nesconset that was the scene of an accident that injured a teenager four years ago is being studied for possible reconstruction intended to improve safety.

Suffolk County has hired a Syosset firm to study the intersection of Smithtown Boulevard, Gilbert Avenue and Sheppard Lane, county Legis. John Kennedy (R-Nesconset) said Tuesday. The $200,000 study is expected to be completed this summer, he said.

Kennedy said the half-mile stretch of Smithtown Boulevard should be straightened to improve visibility.

“It is difficult for motorists ... to see a sufficient amount in order to be aware of what’s going on,” Kennedy said. He said the road, County Road 16, is the primary east-west artery in Nesconset.

A 15-year-old Nesconset boy was seriously injured in October 2007 when he was struck by a sport utility vehicle while riding a bicycle on Smithtown Boulevard near Gilbert Avenue.

Kennedy said the county Department of Public Works will recommend improvements to the highway, and bidding for a contract to rebuild it could begin sometime next year.