After years of waiting, the Ellison Avenue bridge is finally set to get the renovation it deserves. The year-long repairs start April 15, meaning residents should be prepared for several area road closures.
Detour signage will be placed along Jericho Turnpike, Old Country Road, Maple Avenue and Westbury Avenue —directing all traffic away from Ellison Avenue. Northbound traffic will detour at Old Country Road east to Post Avenue or west to Cherry Lane, and southbound traffic must detour at Maple Avenue/Westbury Avenue east to Post Avenue or west to Cherry Lane.
Village of Westbury mayor Peter Cavallaro says he has talked to the Nassau County Police Department about increasing patrols in the area, especially around the schools on Cherry Lane and Maple Avenue.
“We’re hoping they do more enforcement there,” Cavallaro said. “If they can do it particularly during drop off and pick up that would be great.”
Earl Street will also be closed at Ellison Avenue, except for local traffic.
“This will keep construction vehicles from going down there and so traffic doesn’t divert down there,” Cavallaro said. “Residents and the rail road asked for that.”
Construction is scheduled between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. There will also be work May 16 and 17 (when there will also be limited Long Island Rail Road service) and a weekend in late October.
Residents who live by the site can expect to feel vibration at some points, and see trucks coming in and out. The storage of materials and equipment will be limited to the site whenever possible.
“This is a much needed project we’ve been waiting for for a long time. The inconvenience factor is unavoidable, but we think we’ve covered all the bases and it’ll be as painless as possible,” Cavallaro said. “As issues arise, let us know and we’ll address them as quickly as possible.”
