The intersection at Edwards Avenue and Middle Country Road in Calverton is slated for a $5 million improvement project for widening, realignment and the addition of turning lanes on all approaches.
The New York State Department of Transportation will hold a virtual public hearing Feb. 9 on proposed construction it says will enhance the safety of the intersection, for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
The Calverton intersection is one of four on the East End to be addressed at the hearing, called to “discuss the acquisition of land for proposed construction to address safety and operational concerns.”
The meeting will start with an informal Q&A session prior to the public hearing from 6 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a presentation and formal comment period from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.. A draft design report on the projects is available on NYSDOT’s website.
The intersection at Edwards and Route 25 has regular traffic backups and congestion. A study by the DOT found that the intersection also had a significantly higher crash rate — about 165% higher — than the state-wide average for similar roadways. More than half of the crashes recorded in the study are rear ends and left turn crashes.
The project proposes widening the Calverton intersection and adding turn lanes on all approaches to improve overall traffic conditions, while also realigning the northbound and southbound approaches Edwards Avenue according to the report. The report anticipates no significant environmental or economic impact, and an increased social impact with improved pedestrian and bicycle safety.
The schedule for the project has the DOT receiving necessary approvals throughout 2022, starting construction in early 2024 and for construction to complete in early 2025. The cost for the Calverton project would be $5,122,944, according to the report.
People can make oral statements during the hearing or send written statements by email or letter to the DOT’s region 10 office. Written statements made on or before Feb. 19 will be made part of the record. Details on how to access the hearing can be found on the DOT’s website.
The hearing will also address the intersection of State Route 114 and Stephen Hands Path in the Town of East Hampton, State Route 25 and Suffolk County Route 48 (Sound Road) in the Town of Southold and State Route 114 and Goodfriend Drive in the Town of East Hampton.
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