Work has started on the latest phase of the State Route 347 reconstruction project in Suffolk County, New York. Governor Kathy Hochul announced that construction is underway ahead of schedule on a one-mile segment from Hallock Road to County Route 97 (Nicolls Road) in Brookhaven. The $44.7 million project is part of an ongoing effort to upgrade and modernize the 12-mile corridor between State Routes 454 and 25A.
“New York is moving full speed ahead with infrastructure investments that will connect communities in every corner of this state and improve the travel experience for everyone who uses our transportation network,” Governor Hochul said. “We are reimagining the State Route 347 corridor to better accommodate the evolving needs of Long Islanders and make it easier and safer for motorists, pedestrians and mass transit riders to travel along this important roadway.”
This seventh phase includes creating a third travel lane throughout the section, addressing current bottlenecks where lanes drop from three to two. A raised stone median planted with native Long Island vegetation will be added. Traffic signals with pedestrian countdown timers will be installed, and speed limits reduced to 45 mph. Bus stops will be set back into pull-off areas with shelters equipped with solar-powered lighting for safety.
The Parks-To-Port Greenway shared-use path along eastbound lanes will be extended, offering bicycle racks and shaded rest spots for multi-modal users.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez stated, “Thank you to Governor Hochul for recognizing the monumental importance of continued investment in the modernization of New York’s transportation infrastructure. Her support and that of the NYS Legislature for DOT’s Capital Plan provides the funding that makes the rehabilitation of Route 347 and this project possible. Investing in transportation infrastructure creates jobs and bolsters the regional economy while building a sustainable, multimodal transportation network that benefits all Long Islanders.”
Construction on this phase is expected to create over 580 jobs, with major work scheduled for completion by 2027.
State Route 347 has evolved over seven decades from a local delivery road into a busy suburban highway used by more than 60,000 vehicles daily. The broader reconstruction initiative aims to address congestion on this key route lined by businesses, parks, hotels, and shopping centers. To date, New York has invested $250 million in upgrades including new lanes, traffic signals, and crosswalks.
Governor Hochul also announced earlier this year that construction on a bridge carrying State Route 347 over Nicolls Road would begin in 2028—six years earlier than previously planned—as part of New York’s $34.3 billion capital plan (https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-historic-343-billion-five-year-plan-transform-new-yorks). Following bridge completion, further reconstruction will extend from Mark Tree Road through Old Town Road up to State Route 25A.
Senator Charles Schumer said, “When I passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through Congress, it was to upgrade our local infrastructure, boost jobs and the economy, and make vital improvements in our downtowns — and that’s exactly what this work will do. These funds will go to good use on State Route 347, AKA the Smithtown Bypass, and create a safer conduit for our communities while creating good paying jobs in the process.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “The reimagined State Route 347 corridor will reduce congestion and help ensure that Long Islanders can travel safely and efficiently. Investments like these connect our communities and keep families safe, and in Washington I’ll keep fighting to deliver the funding needed for critical infrastructure projects across New York.”
State Senator Anthony Palumbo said,“The modernization of State Route 347 is a much-needed investment in our region and will help ease congestion, enhance safety and improve mobility for area motorists and pedestrians. This project is win-win for the region and an important upgrade to help make this thoroughfare a welcoming gateway to the community and Stony Brook University.”
Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay commented,“I am grateful for the continued investment in more efficient, safer Long Island roadways by Governor Hochul and my colleagues in New York State. Local community members have shared appreciation for the boulevard aesthetic and usability for pedestrians and cyclists in the areas where these improvements have been completed… This next stretch of Route 347 modernization will be complemented by construction of a bridge over Nicolls Road… further improving traffic flow.”
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine noted,“This project addresses some of the worst traffic in Suffolk County… Thank you to state for this investment.”
Town Supervisor Daniel J. Panico stated,“So much of New York’s aged…infrastructure needs significant upgrade… We are grateful for state’s investment…”
Marc Herbst from Long Island Contractors Association added,“This next phase…marks another major step forward…to ease traffic,…create good-paying jobs…”
John Durso from Long Island Federation of Labor remarked,“We’d like thank Governor Hochul…for her leadership… This investment expands capacity on developing artery…”
Matthew Aracich from Nassau-Suffolk Building Trades Council observed,“Governor Hochul continues deliver great projects Suffolk County…. Reducing traffic … reduces levels emissions vehicles.”
According to its mission statement,the Department of Transportation seeks “to provide a safe,reliable,equitable,and resilient transportation system” supporting quality life,economic well-being,and environmental protection statewide.
