Construction begins on congested Clearview ramp
State DOT launches project to widen Union Turnpike exit on Bayside/Fresh Meadows border
BY CARLOTTA MOHAMED
Commuters may finally
have some relief when it comes
to traffic congestion on the
Clearview Expressway.
The state Department of
Transportation announced
the beginning of a $2.8
million project to create a
second travel lane on the
southbound Clearview
Expressway’s off-ramp at
Exit 2 (Union Turnpike).
Construction of the ramp
began Jan. 17 to help improve
traffic flow and enhance
safety. It is scheduled to be
completed this summer,
according to the DOT.
“Governor Cuomo directed
us to identify improvements
that will bring big benefits
to local communities, and
widening this ramp will do just
that,” said Paul Karas, the state
DOT’s acting commissioner.
“Adding a lane here will
improve traffic mobility, ease
congestion and enhance access
to Queens, making it safer and
easier for commuters and area
businesses to get themselves
and their products where they
need to go.”
The DOT said the existing
single-lane ramp doesn’t
adequately accommodate the
large volume of traffic using
it, creating backups onto the
expressway, including trucks
making local deliveries.
The Exit 2 ramp will be
widened, creating two lanes
beginning at the top of the
ramp where traffic exits the
expressway. At the end of the
ramp at Union Turnpike, the
left lane will split into two
eastbound-turning lanes and
the right lane will provide
access to westbound Union
Turnpike to improve traffic
flow, according to the DOT.
The DOT will also improve
pedestrian safety installing
sidewalk curb ramps
compliant with the Americans
with Disabilities Act at the
Union Turnpike intersection.
The new drainage structures
will be installed where they
are needed, while others will
be cleaned.
The ramp’s riding surface
will be enhanced with an
asphalt overlay. Additionally,
landscaping improvements
will be made, including the
planting of a dozen trees and
more than 200 shrubs. A new,
modern traffic signal will be
installed to accommodate the
new lane configuration.
State Assemblywoman
Nily Rozic said Queens
residents and commuters
will benefit greatly from the
infrastructure upgrades that
will go a long way in improving
traffic congestion.
“I am also pleased to hear
that this project prioritizes
pedestrian safety in the
surrounding area that will
be in accordance with the
Americans with Disabilities
Act,” said Rozic. “I thank
the NYS Department of
Transportation for their
efforts and look forward to the
project’s completion.”
A project to widen the Union Turnpike exit on the Clearview Expressway has begun. Photo via Google Maps
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