The widening of Manhasset Avenue to include a turn lane which was supposed to be accomplished last summer is almost done.The campaign which began seven years ago spearheaded by the Greater Manhasset Civic Association in association with the Town of North Hempstead is finally becoming reality.
The program began with the Plandome Road Vision project. Richard Bentley, president of the Greater Council and original member of the Plandome Road Vision project is happy that the roadway is finally being accomplished. ‘It seems like years ago, because it was…that we conceived the widening of the eastbound Manhasset Ave. intersection at Plandome Road to improve traffic flow in and around the one of the busiest rush hour hubs leading to and from Manhasset High School and the LIRR station.” said Bentley. “It may seem to many that this should have been a quick, easy project, but I can attest that it indeed was very detailed and complicated. Projects like this transcend the terms of individual elected officials, starting with the initial plan and financing approvals.” Numerous factors had to take place before the street could be constructed. Utility poles had to be moved which had occurred late last summer.
In the fall, the police booth located at the corner of Manhasset Avenue and Plandome Road was removed. The Department of Public Work had to review and approve the request before any modification could be done on Nassau County traffic lights. Once approved, the DPW coordinates the implementation of the work. Construction was said to take place during lower traffic volume periods. Due to the harrowing winter, work on the road had been delayed.
The new turn lane will alleviate traffic at the intersection of Manhasset Avenue and Plandome Road, allowing traffic to turn right or proceed straight onto Andrew Street while providing a dedicated left turn lane for vehicles to make a left turn onto Plandome Road.” I can’t believe that this is just Part 1 of Phase 1 of our much larger Plandome Road vision project.” says Bentley.
