Although traffic on Rockaway Tpke is never ideal, this past week commute time was heavily increased due to construction work. Since the construction began, commuters have reported waiting between 40 minutes to an hour getting from the airport area to Lowe’s.
The following is an update provided by the Department of Transportation regarding the construction:
Since this is emergency work, the contractor will work around the clock behind the jersey barriers to facilitate completion of the overall job sooner.
That being said, two lanes are open to traffic at this time as progress is being made. I am told that at most times, two lanes will remain open both while the site is occupied and unoccupied. There will be points where only one lane will be open due to several factors, including that there is still some sinking that needs to be addressed and is dangerous, as well as when the contractor gets to final restoration and the concrete needs to cure (about 24 hours). The contractor is making every effort to keep at least two lanes open as much as possible.
I am happy to report that when I was there this morning two lanes were open in each direction and traffic was moving well.
VMS signage is to be installed along Rockaway Blvd at points west, such as at Farmers Blvd and will state “Emergency Work Lane Closures Ahead”. Traffic Agents are still being sought to assist during times of congestion.
Additionally the Department of Education’s Office of Pupil Transportation has been notified about the ongoing work here, in an effort to inform schools and bus drivers to consider an alternate route if possible until the work is completed.
I will continue to keep you informed on the progress of repairs and associated impacts.
The State couldn’t care less about Rockaway Turnpike.
Around the clock is a lie – I drove by the work site twice yesterday and didn’t see anyone working there.
Is there an expected end date to this construction?
it was “drying” around the clock 😉
The traffic is only going to get worse. Tell our elected officials that we’re fed up. Sign this online petition:
https://www.change.org/p/stop-massive-overdevelopment-of-the-five-towns