Two major highway improvement projects on Long Island have been added to the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), Governor Kathy Hochul announced. The projects focus on safety enhancements at the Oakdale Merge along Sunrise Highway in Suffolk County and improvements to the interchange of eastbound Southern State Parkway and Meadowbrook State Parkway in Nassau County.
The inclusion of these projects in the TIP marks a step forward in their development, moving them from preliminary design toward future construction. The TIP is a regional planning document that guides transportation funding decisions and is updated as priorities change. Over its five-year span from federal fiscal years 2026-2030, Long Island’s share of proposed TIP funding exceeds $4 billion, with $1.1 billion allocated for New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) construction projects in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Governor Hochul said, “Both of these projects have huge potential to create jobs, enhance safety and alleviate traffic in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties, further positioning Long Island for future growth. There is a lot of work left to be done, but this is an important step in the planning process, one that lays a solid foundation for two transformational projects on Long Island.”
NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez stated, “Thanks to the leadership and investment of Governor Kathy Hochul, New York State DOT has made extraordinary progress in building back our infrastructure and we are committed to keeping that momentum going well into the future. The Oakdale Merge and the Southern State Parkway-Meadowbrook State Parkway interchange are projects that must get done. By adding these important projects to the TIP we are bringing them a big step closer to reality and to creating easier, less-congested journeys for the hundreds of thousands of Long Island commuters who travel these roadways every day.”
The Oakdale Merge refers to a section where several major roads converge near Connetquot River State Park in Islip, handling about 126,000 vehicles daily—more than it was designed for. Similarly, about 200,000 vehicles use the outdated eastbound Southern State Parkway/Meadowbrook interchange each day.
Environmental reviews will consider multiple design options for both projects. NYSDOT plans community engagement throughout this process. The review for Oakdale Merge will begin at the end of 2025; review for Southern State Parkway/Meadowbrook will start between 2027 and 2028.
Previous safety upgrades at Oakdale Merge were completed in 2020 with new pavement, ramp meters, signage, and lane markings.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine commented: “Today’s vote reflects the strong partnership between Governor Hochul, county government, and labor to ensure Suffolk County—and all Long Island—receives its fair share of infrastructure funding. This is important progress, and we look forward to building on it with additional investments in roads, sewers, and mass transit in the years ahead. Long Island deserves a stronger voice in these decisions, and we are grateful that the Governor’s office has listened to and responded to our concerns. I will continue to advocate tirelessly to ensure that Suffolk County secures the necessary resources and guarantees that we receive our fair share. This is not only a priority of my administration—it is a commitment that will guide us well into the future.”
Marc Herbst from the Long Island Contractors’ Association added: “These additions to the Transportation Improvement Plan are key investments in the safety, efficiency, and long-term resiliency of Long Island’s infrastructure and will bring family-sustaining jobs to our communities. I am grateful to Governor Hochul and Commissioner Dominguez for their work to ensure the serious issues at the Oakdale Merge and along the Southern and Meadowbrook State Parkways are addressed, and to County Executive Ed Romaine and our partners in local government for their advocacy for our region’s infrastructure priorities.”
