For those Manhasset drivers who like to venture to Point Lookout or Long Beach beginning on Tuesday, January 22, there will be full closures of the Loop Parkway weeknights from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. while major structural, electrical, and mechanical repairs are made to the drawbridge over Long Creek. On the night of Sunday, February 3, the closure will begin at midnight into Monday, February 4.
A detour is available between the Long Beach barrier island and Long Island’s mainland via the Long Beach Bridge (Long Beach Boulevard connecting the City of Long Beach and the Village of Island Park). Detour signs have been placed to direct drivers to this alternate route. Variable message signs are also alerting area motorists and carrying additional details with any updates.
These closures are expected to be in place for approximately three weeks. As with most road and bridge projects, work may be cancelled, postponed, or prolonged due to inclement weather.
The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has arranged that all major work for this project be done during the cold weather months to minimize disruption to marine and vehicular traffic during the summer tourism season.
NYSDOT has coordinated these closures with area emergency response units, local elected officials & civic organizations, the United States Coast Guard as well as the local maritime community. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of motorists, boaters, and the local community while this bridge maintenance project is undertaken to help assure the continued protection for all.
This bridge and the nearby drawbridge on the Meadowbrook State Parkway over Sloop Channel, both built in 1934, are undergoing a $22.5 million strengthening project with enhancements that include structural repairs of the draw spans as well as mechanical and electrical repairs (including new navigation lighting). Work on both bridges began in the fall of 2017 and is scheduled for completion later this year. Additional information about this project can be found online at www.dot.ny.gov/drawbridge-repairs.
