Forum Photo
By Michael V. Cusenza
The State Department of Transportation this week began changing the traffic pattern in both directions on the Long Island Expressway between exits 22A and 22C in the central section of the borough.
The alterations, which will be implemented over several nights, starting on Monday, Jan. 16, (weather permitting) at 10 p.m., are part of a $55 million construction project that is making operational improvements at the LIE/Grand Central Parkway Interchange, according to NYSDOT.
The changes are as follows:
- On the eastbound LIE service road, between exits 22A and 22C, traffic will be shifted towards the right. All lanes (the two travel-through lanes and the entry/exit lane from/to the GCP) will be together on the new bridge deck.
- On the eastbound LIE main highway, between exits 22A and 22C, traffic will be split, with one lane to the left of a concrete barrier and two lanes to the right.
- On the westbound LIE main highway, between exits 22A and 22B, all three lanes will shift slightly to the left.
- On the westbound LIE service road, between exits 22A and 22B, two lanes will be to the left of a concrete barrier and one lane will be to the right. Motorists wanting to access exit 22B (GCP east) must be in the right lane.
The new pattern will be in effect for approximately 24 weeks, according to the agency.
State DOT also noted that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.
“It is imperative that motorists drive carefully through this construction zone, for their own safety and the safety of workers,” NYSDOT cautioned.
