MASTIC BEACH – Smith Point Bridge is the gateway to the County’s most-visited park.
The autumn brought urgent repairs after a State Department of Transportation (DOT) inspection mandated the bridge traffic be reduced to one lane.
A busy July weekend can see at least anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles cross the bridge, according to County Parks Commissioner John Giannott.
While safety has been the top priority, County officials have been in a race against summer, as access to Smith Point is non-negotiable.
On Tuesday, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) released a statement saying that the work will be completed this week, allowing both lanes of traffic to utilize the bridge in time for Memorial Day Weekend, the unofficial start of summer.
“We are pleased to reopen the Smith Point Bridge for residents and visitors ahead of Memorial Day weekend,” said Suffolk County officials in a statement. “We thank everyone for their patience, understanding, and cooperation throughout the repair process as crews worked to complete these important improvements safely and efficiently.”
Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches), who represents Mastic Beach and Smith Point, shared his appreciation for the hard work to bolster safety and ensure Suffolk residents’ summer plans go off without a hitch.
“Smith Point is one of Suffolk County’s most treasured destinations, and reopening the bridge in time for Memorial Day weekend is welcome news for residents, visitors, and local businesses alike,” said Mazzarella in a statement. “I appreciate the hard work of everyone involved in completing these repairs as quickly and safely as possible.”
The bridge will remain intact until the ground is broken for the new bridge, which will not feature a drawbridge aspect and will have pedestrian and bicycle lanes with scenic lookout points.
That project project is expected to take approximately 30 months to complete. After traffic is officially shifted onto the new bridge, demolition of the existing bridge will begin, a process expected to take an additional year.
The upcoming bridge replacement project is expected to cost between $135 million and $150 million. Funding for the project will be split between the federal government and Suffolk County, with the federal government covering 80% of the cost and Suffolk County funding the remaining 20%.
