Questions have been raised by civic leaders and residents about what was going on on Route 347 near the Pathmark Shopping center in Port Jefferson Station. The land was cleared over the last week or so with no sign of what the work was being done for.
Some suggested that the construction was to expand the parking lot at the adjacent shopping center or it was part of road construction.
On Wednesday, a representative from the New York State Department of Transportation confirmed the work was part of a project to redesign the Route 112 intersection at Route 347.
"That is preparation work for the $25.6 million road reconstruction project at NY Route 347 and 112," said Eileen Peters.
The work, officially announced on Monday is intended to "reduce delays, fuel use and enhance the environment," according to a statement from the NYS DOT.
The work includes adding jug handle turning lanes from Route 112, a third travel lane in both directions on Route 347 and a pocket park.
Route 112 already underwent major reconstruction in two parts that disrupted traffic and upset business owners while it was ongoing two years ago.
According to the NYS DOT, Route 347 was originally built in the 1950s as a farm delivery route. The roadway grew along with Long Island's suburban sprawl. In 1969, around 48,000 vehicles used the road every day but that number has grown to about 71,000 vehicles on the road per day.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
