A major facelift for Frowein Road (County Road 98) is nearly finished, bringing new sidewalks, upgraded drainage, and a freshly repaved roadway to the busy stretch by Center Moriches High School. Officials say the $1.8 million project will also make the area much safer for students and other pedestrians.
Suffolk Legislator Jim Mazzarella, who pushed to secure the funding in the county’s Capital Budget, said the project addresses long-standing concerns about both road conditions and pedestrian safety.
“This is a direct investment in protecting our kids,” Mazzarella said. “Every morning and afternoon, students are walking along a roadway that wasn’t designed with them in mind. These upgrades will change that.”
The work, which extends from Moriches Middle Island Road to the vicinity of Railroad Avenue, includes:
- A new sidewalk on the south side of Frowein Road from Moriches Middle Island Road to Brookfield Avenue.
- Upgrades to all pedestrian traffic signals, installation of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon for a crosswalk, and ADA-compliant curb ramps along the corridor. Estimated cost: $825,000.
- Removal and replacement of damaged drainage structures. Estimated cost: $300,000.
- Asphalt milling and resurfacing with new pavement markings. Estimated cost: $750,000.
“Sidewalks, accessible curb ramps, better crosswalks—these are the things that prevent accidents and save lives,” he said. “This is about making sure every student, every teacher, and every resident who uses this road feels safe.”
Final touches are expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
“This is a project that will benefit Center Moriches for decades,” Mazzarella added. “It’s not just about the high school, it’s about strengthening the entire community.”
Built as the Center Moriches Bypass, the road is named for the Frowein family, early German immigrants who settled in the area in the 19th century.