A long-awaited resurfacing of one of Suffolk County’s most battered roadways has been accelerated after months of pressure from local officials and mounting complaints from drivers.
State Senator Dean Murray and Assemblyman Doug Smith announced that Department of Transportation officials have agreed to fast-track a major resurfacing project on Route 25, also known as Middle Country Road, between Route 347 and Adirondack Drive. They also announced a state commitment to $300,000 in emergency pothole repairs.
The resurfacing project, valued at roughly $11 million, was originally expected years down the road as part of the state’s five-year highway and bridge plan. After continued negotiations with NYS-DOT Region 10 Director Richard Causin and worsening road conditions following this winter’s snowstorms, the timetable has been moved up significantly.
Under the revised schedule, the state will begin the bidding process in December 2026. The contractor selected through that process will begin maintaining the roadway during the following winter and start preliminary preparation work. Full resurfacing is expected to begin during the paving season in late spring 2027.
Drivers along the busy corridor have complained for months about potholes, crumbling pavement and hazardous driving conditions, particularly after the harsh winter weather accelerated deterioration along the heavily traveled roadway.
To address the immediate problems, NYS-DOT has also committed roughly $300,000 for emergency pothole repairs and maintenance on five of the worst sections of Route 25 between Route 347 and Adirondack Drive.
Those areas include stretches between Adirondack Drive and Dare Road, North Evergreen Road to Boyle Road, Highview Lane to Marshall Drive, Crown Acres to Hammond Lane, and County Road 97 to Paula Avenue.
Additional areas along the corridor will continue to be maintained by state DOT crews.
Murray said the accelerated timeline came after sustained efforts by local officials, first responders, community leaders and residents pushing the state to act more quickly.
“I applaud and appreciate Director Causin’s willingness to not only listen, but to work with us to find solutions,” Murray said. “To get a major project such as this into the five-year plan and then have it moved up multiple times to its earliest possible timeline is certainly no easy feat.”
Smith said the improvements will bring needed relief to thousands of drivers who rely on the roadway daily.
“This work will help address the deteriorating conditions and improve safety for drivers, families and first responders who all use this roadway every day,” Smith said. Added Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano: “This is great news for drivers, local businesses, and the community. A great job by Senator Murray and Assemblyman Smith in getting this done.”
State officials also reminded residents that potholes on state roads can be reported by calling 1-800-POTHOLE (1-800-768-4653).