David McDonough (R, C, I – Merrick) today called for safety improvements on Wantagh Parkway from the Southern State Parkway to Jones Beach. McDonough’s call comes after talks with the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) revealed that close to $17 million is slated to be used to extend the bike path, which runs alongside the Wantagh Parkway, past Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. This is in spite of safety issues for pedestrians and bicyclists on the southern portion of the bike path not having been addressed.

“Another family should not have to endure the tragedy that happened on July 20 when a speeding motorcyclist killed a bicyclist,” said Assemblyman McDonough, the Ranking Member on the Assembly Committee on Transportation. “I, and thousands throughout the Nassau community, believe an accident like this could be prevented in the future if guardrails were installed on this heavily used stretch of roadway. I will continue to work for the rededication of a portion of the $17 million for extending the bike path to ensure greater safety on the section currently being used.”

According to DOT Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee, the current safety plan will separate the bike path from the parkway’s vehicular traffic by closing the outside, right travel lane on the parkway for four miles on the southern stretch. Lane closures will be identified through extensive pavement striping. This change will increase the buffer strip between the parkway and the bike path that will vary from 20 feet to 41 feet wide. The DOT will install a rumble strip at the edge of the new right lane of the parkway in order to alert motorists with a pronounced, audible warning if they begin to drift off the highway.

“I am pleased to see that the DOT has seen the need for improvements along the Wantagh Parkway, yet I continue to believe that a guardrail may be the most sensible action the state can take. From talks I have had with the DOT as well as analysts for the New York State Assembly, there is money available for other projects which I believe should be rededication for safety improvements to prevent future accidents,” concluded McDonough.