The New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) will hold a public information center meeting May 21 to provide the public with the opportunity to review and comment on the engineering/design plans for the proposed Sunrise Highway Massapequa Safety and Mobility Improvement Project. The meeting will be held at the Massapequa Park Village Hall from 4 to 9 p.m.

"We've already met with the elected officials, different civic groups and businesses, and this is just another opportunity to let the community know what it is that we are proposing to do," explained DOT Public Information Head Eileen Peters. "We are looking for as many people to attend as possible in order to produce a project that not only addresses our safety concerns, but that the community is going to be happy with long after we've pulled our last shovel out of the ground."

As local residents are most likely aware of, Sunrise Highway in Massapequa from Cartwright Blvd. to Louden Ave. has a high accident rate due to the frequency and density of conflicting traffic movements. These conflicts are caused by high traffic volumes, frequent driveways, closely spaced traffic signals, and heavy left-turn movements. These frequent conflict points and high volume of turning movements result in traffic backups that often extend from one intersection to another, blocking the flow of traffic.

The purpose of the proposed project is to enhance motorists' safety, improve traffic flow and safety, reduce the overall number of traffic accidents, and maintain reasonable access to the merchants and businesses in the vicinity. Proposed traffic safety improvements have been identified to alleviate the traffic conflicts and improve safety along Sunrise Highway at the following locations: Unqua Rd. and Sunrise Mall westerly driveway; "Sears Center" (now Philips Plaza) driveways; Old Sunrise Highway and Carmans Road.

According to the DOT, all lanes of traffic will be maintained during peak travel times. Occasional closures during off-peak travel times will be required. The proposed improvements will result in insignificant changes to air quality, noise and visual resources. Improved landscaping along Sunrise Highway should also be included in the project. The construction project is currently expected to begin in the spring of 2004 and is estimated to last about a year.

DOT engineers and representatives will be present at the information center to discuss issues and answer questions. Drawings, data and other visual aids will be available for review. Anyone who is unable to attend the meeting but has questions concerning the project can call Michael Geiger of NYSDOT at 631-952-6128.