Closure of Rose Lane Jams Traffic in Port Jeff Station

Local residents lamenting traffic jams due to the Rose Lane closure will likely be feeling the pain for the upcoming weeks.

The Rose Lane closure began in July and according to the State Department of Transportation, it is expected to continue throughout fall, with no end date specified.

The closure is needed to perform a major reconstruction on Rt. 347 and Rt. 112 intersection, including a jug handle to reduce travel delays.

The $25.6 million project is the third in a series of Rt. 347 corridor projects planned to improve safety for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, according to the state. The scope of the project also aims to reduce travel delay by transforming Rt. 347 into a modified boulevard and suburban greenway for 15 miles through Smithtown, Islip and Brookhaven. Construction will also include a pocket park.

Features of the reconstruction project include:

• Construction of a jug handle in the southeast quadrant of the intersection for northbound NY Route 112 to westbound NY Route 347, and for westbound NY Route 347 to southbound NY Route 112;

• Construction of a jug handle in the northwest quadrant of the intersection for southbound NY Route 112 to eastbound NY Route 347 and for eastbound NY Route 347 to northbound NY Route 112;
  
  
• Construction of a pocket park in the southeast quadrant to serve as a green gateway and recreation area to the local community and a greenway stop for bicyclists and pedestrians;

• An off-road shared-use path on the south side of NY Route 347

• Landscaping and tree plantings;

• Improved drainage to aid roadway storm water run-off

• Bus service realignment;

• New traffic and pedestrian signals
  
  
•  High visibility pedestrian crosswalks, countdown timers and refuge areas
  
  
• New solar and LED lighting.