Robert Moses State Park to reopen Thursday

The park was closed because the traffic circle that is the main access to the facility was undermined by high surf. There was also severe beach erosion and damage to the boardwalk at the east end of the park.

State parks commissioner Rose Harvey, who praised efforts to overcome what she called "this tremendous obstacle," will cut a ribbon at the reconstructed traffic circle to reopen the park at 11 a.m.

Contractors placed more than 500,000 cubic yards of sand dredged from Fire Island Inlet and the state boat channel north of Robert Moses to replenish eroded beaches at Fields 4 and 5.

The parks agency removed 820 feet of boardwalk at Field 5 heavily damaged by Sandy. The rest of the boardwalk was repaired, and the agency will determine whether it can replace the other 820 feet in a way that prevents future damage.

Three lifeguard shacks also are being replaced.