Plans to replace the aging Smith Point Bridge moved forward with the approval of $110,000 in county funds for the project’s design phase, a key step toward construction of a new span connecting the mainland to Smith Point County Park.
The funding was approved by the Suffolk Legislature and marks the latest milestone in a replacement effort that has been plagued by years of delay. The existing bridge, built in 1959, has faced mounting structural concerns following recent inspections by the State Department of Transportation.
Legislator Jim Mazzarella, whose district includes the bridge, said the funding approval is an important step toward delivering a long-term solution. “The design funding allows us to move the project forward and brings us closer to building a new bridge that will safely serve residents, emergency responders, and visitors for decades to come,” Mazzarella said.
Plans for the replacement bridge include a multi-purpose, handicap-accessible path for pedestrians and bicyclists, scenic overlook, and a 55-foot vertical clearance that eliminates the need for a drawbridge. The project will also incorporate new recreational courts and restroom facilities at the popular park.
The design funding comes after a period of heightened concern for the existing bridge. In November, a routine DOT inspection identified deterioration in the structure, prompting a temporary reduction of the bridge’s weight limit to three tons. That restriction raised concerns about emergency vehicle access and park operations.
The weight limit has since been restored to 15 tons, but traffic remains restricted to a one-lane pattern controlled by temporary traffic signals and safety cones. Vehicles are funneled toward the center of the span to safely support heavier loads, while new signage reflects the updated traffic pattern and weight limit. The drawbridge portion itself has not been restricted.
Last month, County Executive Ed Romaine issued an executive order to expedite repairs and accelerate the bridge replacement timeline, directing county agencies to coordinate closely with the DOT while continuing to monitor conditions. He has been critical of his predecessor, Steve Bellone, for allowing the project to stagnate.
With design funding now in place, county officials say the next steps include completing the design work, awarding construction contracts, and preparing to break ground, with construction of the new bridge targeted to begin in 2026.