Governor George E. Pataki was in Syosset on June 30 to announce the opening of 10 miles of High Occupancy Vehicle lanes on the Long Island Expressway between Exits 32 and 40 in the Towns of North Hempstead and Oyster Bay. The Governor's announcement marks the virtual completion of the $220 million final phase of the Long Island Expressway/High-Occupancy Vehicle (LIE/HOV) Capacity Improvement Project in Nassau County. The project's extensive highway improvements will help encourage car pooling and mitigate congestion on one of New York State's most heavily traveled roads.

"Whether it's the daily commute to work or the weekend retreat to the beach with the family, for Long Island's commuters, the Long Island Expressway is a significant part of daily life," Governor Pataki said. "The creation of these additional HOV lanes, together with other infrastructure improvements, will significantly increase mobility, reliability, and safety on one of the region's most heavily traveled roadways."

Senator Michael Balboni said, "It's always important to finish what you start, and that's what New York State is doing today. The governor and the state are keeping their commitment to the people of Long Island and they should be congratulated on a job well-done."

Assemblyman Thomas P. DiNapoli said, "The people of Long Island who use the Long Island Expressway regularly, have been extremely patient while work on the HOV lanes has continued. Completing this project is welcome news to motorists and a great way to start the summer travel season."

Assemblyman Rob Walker said, "Today's announcement is good news for Nassau commuters and the thousands of people who visit Long Island each year. The Long Island Expressway is one of the most traveled highways in the nation and any project that alleviates congestion and increases safety is very much welcomed. I applaud Governor Pataki's dedication to upgrades on the LIE and look forward to working with him on future improvements."

Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi said, "The Long Island Expressway is an invaluable roadway for many Nassau County residents. An upgrade in safety and efficiency to such a heavily traveled road is a welcome enhancement to the quality of life to our residents."

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy said, "The long-awaited opening of this lane will end the bottlenecks that cause our commuters such grief. Time on the road is time away from the office or our families."

The opening of the 10-mile stretch completes 40 continuous miles of HOV lanes along the length of the Long Island Expressway from Medford in the Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, to the Queens border. The HOV lanes, the only ones in suburban New York State, are reserved for use by vehicles with two or more occupants during peak travel hours - weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. At any other time, the HOV lanes are open to all traffic.

The Long Island Expressway/High-Occupancy Vehicle Capacity Improvement Project consists of a series of projects that have reconstructed most of the expressway from Medford to the Queens border at a total cost of $880 million. The first HOV lanes between Exit 40 in Jericho, Nassau County, and Exit 49 in Melville, Suffolk County, were opened in 1994. Subsequent stretches of HOV lanes were completed and opened at various intervals during the next six years.

In addition, 44 expressway bridges between Medford and the Queens border were replaced or rehabilitated, interchange entrance and exit ramps were refurbished, new retention basins and noise barriers were constructed, signing, lighting, landscaping and signal improvements were made, and the Information for Motorists (INFORM) traffic management system - which monitors Long Island traffic - was upgraded. Construction-related congestion was minimized throughout the length of the project by undertaking most of the work during evening or off-peak hours.

Minor elements of work, including landscaping, guide rail erection, and installation of new signage for the final 10-mile segment, are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Thomas J. Madison Jr. said, "The tremendous improvements to the Long Island Expressway will help make it a safer, more mobile highway for the people of Nassau and Suffolk counties. Thanks to the support of Governor Pataki, we have been able to complete this massive effort with minimal disruption to daily traffic and surrounding communities."