Flood resiliency projects in Suffolk ($11.7 million) and Nassau Counties ($9.5 million) to protect communities from flooding and enhance safety along key travel corridors is on the way.
Two major resiliency investments to address flooding and enhance infrastructure along key travel corridors on Long Island’s South Shore. The projects, located in both Suffolk and Nassau Counties, include drainage and stormwater upgrades along the Meadowbrook and Wantagh State Parkways, as well as major improvements along Merrick Road (State Route 27A).
"New York is stepping up to fortify our state from the impacts of climate change and extreme weather on our infrastructure," Governor Hochul said. "We have already seen several historic rain events this year, and the need for smart investments to reduce the risk of flooding and keep roadways safe has never been greater. By enhancing critical South Shore roadways, this project will keep Long Island communities safe, especially during extreme weather events."
In Suffolk County, an $11.7 million project will enhance resiliency and pedestrian safety along Merrick Road (State Route 27A) in the Village of Amityville. The project will replace a nearly century-old culvert that carries Amityville Creek beneath the roadway and upgrade infrastructure to reduce flooding in residential areas. Improvements include raising the roadway above the 100-year flood elevation, widening the culvert to better support hydraulic capacity and aquatic habitat, and adding new shoulders, sidewalks, and bike accommodations. Two-way traffic and the ability of passage for emergency vehicles will be maintained throughout construction via lane shifts. Construction is expected to be completed in spring of 2027.
In Nassau County, a $9.5 million investment will deliver drainage upgrades and flood mitigation improvements at two low-lying sites: the Meadowbrook State Parkway at Merrick Road (Exit M9) and Wantagh State Parkway at Bay Parkway within Jones Beach State Park. These areas are particularly prone to flooding at high tide during extreme weather events, which has disrupted traffic and emergency response along critical evacuation routes. The project includes the installation of pump stations, bolstered outflow pipes, and check valves to ensure continuous drainage, even when that flow reverses. Lane closures will occur during off-peak hours to have minimal impact on regular travel, consistent with New York’s Drivers First Initiative. Construction is expected to be completed in spring of 2026.
Flooding concerns and drainage efficiency have emerged as top infrastructure priorities since Hurricane Sandy struck the region in 2012, resulting in several resiliency projects across Long Island. These efforts have included the $130 million Nassau Expressway project, which raised a major evacuation route by three feet; the construction of new recharge basins to collect stormwater runoff from highways; rehabilitation of culverts carrying waterways beneath roads; the installation of new drainage systems; and enhancement of existing drainage structures to improve reliability and resiliency.
Amityville Village Mayor Michael O’Neill said, “We are grateful for our continued partnership with New York State, and we welcome every effort to address flooding in our community. The added benefit of transforming the area adjacent to Amityville High School into a safe walkable space combined with the overall improvements to the roadway, reinforces our commitment to student safety and enhances the quality of life for all Amityville residents."