BY BILL PARRY
Generations of motorists in
Queens have been tormented by
bottlenecks on the Long Island
Expressway that have been
just as predictable through the
years as death and taxes.
Governor Kathy Hochul
announced Wednesday, Oct.
20, that the state’s Department
of Transportation has begun
construction on projects to add
auxiliary lanes and improve
exit and entrance ramps on the
thoroughfare in Queens from
the Little Neck Parkway all the
way to 48th Street in Maspeth
and Sunnyside.
“Investment in our state’s
transportation infrastructure
is critical for the continued
expansion of a thriving
economy,” Hochul said. “These
much-needed upgrades will
ease congestion and enhance
safety along one of the most
heavily utilized vehicle corridors
in New York state.”
Construction has begun on
a $19.7 million project that will
lengthen three acceleration
lanes and three deceleration
lanes. Three auxiliary lanes
will also be added between 48th
Street and the Little Neck Parkway
in Douglaston, improving
traffic flow and allowing motorists
additional space to exit
and enter the highway.
“The overall safety on our
streets and the modernization
of our aging transportation infrastructure
go hand-in-hand,”
Queens Borough President
Donovan Richards said. “This
critical project will address
both, and Queens is grateful for
the state’s sizable investment
in the much-needed revamping
of the Long Island Expressway.
We look forward to ensuring a
safer, smoother ride for those
who drive.”
The project will not expand
the LIE to four lanes in the area
nor expand the HOV lanes in
Nassau County into Queens, according
TIMESLEDGER | QNS.4 COM | OCT. 29 - NOV. 4, 2021
to a NYS DOT spokesman.
Exit and entrance ramps
at Kissena Boulevard, Utopia
Parkway and Francis Lewis
Boulevard will be extended by
approximately 370 feet. Other
safety enhancements will be
installed at those locations.
“I applaud Governor Hochul
on her commitment to safety
through these much-needed
investments in traffic improvements
on the LIE,” Councilman
Paul Vallone said. “Safety has
always been one of my top priorities
and I am glad to see that
Queens is on the governor’s
radar as she brings our state
out of the pandemic and into a
bright new future.”
Westbound auxiliary lanes
will be built from Main Street
to College Point Boulevard
and from Kissena Boulevard
to Main Street. An eastbound
auxiliary lane will be built
from Main Street to Kissena
Boulevard. These auxiliary
lanes will improve traffic flow
Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced the state’s Department of
Transportation has begun construction on projects for the Long
Island Expressway spanning parts of Queens. QNS fi le photo
and allow motorists additional
space to exit and enter the highway,
according to the DOT.
“Thanks to Governor Hochul
for continuing to invest
in our local roads including
this crucial artery that serves
my congressional district and
our region,” Congresswoman
Grace Meng said. “Upgrading
and improving our aging infrastructure
is vital as we seek to
build back better and I look forward
to this work enhancing
travel and safety for motorists.”
The Long Island Expressway
project announcement
comes just weeks after another
milestone was reached in the
ongoing $365 million Kew Gardens
Interchange reconfiguration
project to improve travel
in eastern Queens.
“It is heartening to know
that Governor Hochul recognizes
that Queens has problems
with its arterial highway
system, and that the governor
is committed to giving Queens
motorists a safer and smoother
trip,” Councilwoman Karen
Koslowitz said.
Councilman Barry Grodenchik
concurred, adding that “at
a time when traffic is reaching
or surpassing record levels
across the region, this project
will enhance safety for motorists
here in Queens and for all
who travel this critical artery.”
LIE expansion project
in Queens is underway
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