Labriola Addresses Traffic Congestion Along Sunrise Highway

In response to the traffic congestion plaguing motorists along Sunrise Highway in the Massapequas for over a decade, Assemblyman Steven L. Labriola recently announced his commitment to improve traffic conditions.

Pictured with Assemblyman Labriola to his left is Craig Siracusa, regional director for the New York State Department of Transportation.

"At present, the traffic congestion along Sunrise Highway is not only unbearable and frustrating, but poses a safety threat to all residents, motorists and pedestrians," stated Labriola. Working with Senator Norman Levy, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, we have made it perfectly clear to the New York State Department of Transportation that we want a commitment and a solution to alleviate this traffic congestion, commented Labriola.

Assemblyman Labriola has also enlisted the aid of John Venditto, supervisor-elect for the Town of Oyster Bay: "Mr. Venditto understands that we must also utilize the Town of Oyster Bay's Zoning powers to obtain cooperation among commercial property owners along Sunrise Highway in order to effect a real solution," said Labriola.

According to Labriola, proposals have been developed by the New York State Department of Transportation's traffic engineers and consultants. After months of exhaustive traffic studies, the Department of Transportation will present the proposed road improvements to the public in the near future.

"This issue has reached a crisis proportion and as a result I have had a series of meetings with the New York State Department of Transportation and the Regional Director Craig Siracusa," stated Assemblyman Labriola.

These meetings have provided the opportunity to address this issue head-on and discuss the proposals, added Labriola. "Some of these ideas are quite innovative and will require not only the support of motorists but local residents as well," said Labriola. In addition, the meetings resulted in the Department of Transportation placing variable message signs in the median of Sunrise Highway during the holidays. These units will guide motorists to additional entrances to the Sunrise Mall.

According to the New York State Department of Transportation's Level of Service (LOS) rating system, the Unqua Road intersection at Sunrise Highway received an "F" rating. "This system rates traffic flow at intersections and it is disturbing to receive the worst possible rating," stated Labriola.

It is vital that we, here in the Massapequas, be patient especially during the holiday season when traffic along Sunrise Highway is at its worst. As a lifelong resident of the Massapequas, Labriola has witnessed firsthand how this traffic congestion has escalated. "It is quite understandable that this issue is reason for concern for all residents, stated Labriola. "It is my focus this coming year to attempt to resolve this crisis and alleviate this congestion," added Assemblyman Labriola.