A long-awaited road project meant to fix one of Suffolk County’s most dangerous corridors is nearly complete. Construction on County Route (CR) 93—also known as Ocean Avenue and Rosevale Avenue—has reached its final stages, with paving completed this week and pavement markings set to wrap up early next week, according to the Suffolk County Department of Public Works (DPW).
The overhaul targets the infamously hazardous curve between Woodlawn Avenue and Kirk Avenue, a section of road that has plagued residents in Ronkonkoma, Holbrook, Nesconset, and Bohemia for decades with high-speed accidents and poor visibility.
What’s Been Done
The current work, which stems from a 2023 redesign plan approved after extensive public input, includes several significant safety enhancements:
- A road diet that reduces CR-93 to one lane in each direction along the curve
- A realignment of the Ocean Avenue and Rosevale Avenue intersection to improve sight distance
- New pedestrian crossings with countdown timers at four key intersections: Woodlawn Avenue and Ontario Street, Kirk Avenue and Town Park, Richmond Boulevard, and Motor Parkway (CR-67)
- Milled-in rumble strips (SHARDs) along the shoulder to audibly warn drivers who drift from their lane
- Paving from Michigan Avenue to 400 feet south of Portion Road (CR-16), now completed
These changes were informed by road diet simulations conducted in summer 2023. During those trials, engineers observed a 9mph drop in average speeds and only minor increases in travel time—indicators that the approach could reduce crashes without causing significant delays.
Community Reaction and Flexibility
Public response to the redesign has been mixed. While many residents support the effort to make the corridor safer, others remain skeptical. Concerns have included the potential for bottlenecks, limited access to side streets, and continued speeding without more vigorous enforcement.
At last year’s public forum, hosted by Suffolk County Legislators Trish Bergin (R-East Islip) and Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), residents expressed concerns about the long-standing dangers of the curve and debated proposed changes. Some advocated the use of roundabouts and speed traps, while others questioned the removal of turn lanes and the overall impact on traffic flow.
Despite differing opinions, county officials stress that the new design remains adaptable.
“This is not a set-in-stone solution,” said DPW Chief Engineer Bill Hillman at last year’s meeting. “If we hit certain metrics and realize it’s not working, we can quickly get out and find another solution.”
What’s Next
With final markings underway and pedestrian safety features being installed, the county is on track to complete the bulk of construction in the coming weeks. Sidewalk work along CR-93 is expected to begin later this year, adding another layer of safety and accessibility for pedestrians along the corridor.
Officials say the roadway will be closely monitored for crash reduction and traffic flow. Should the changes fall short of expectations, adjustments—particularly to striping or lane configurations—can be made quickly and efficiently.
The CR-93 redesign marks a significant step forward in addressing a long-standing hazard, with residents, engineers, and legislators finally seeing the result of years of pressure, planning, and persistence.
