Bridge Work to Snarl LIE Traffic

If you're traveling on the Long Island Expressway in Suffolk County this week, expect to encounter overnight lane closures as the New York State Department of Transportation conducts bridge maintenance in Yaphank.

The two left lanes of the westbound Long Island Expressway (I-495) between Exits 68 and 67 will be closed from 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, until 5 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, according to NYSDOT.

Transportation officials said the temporary closures are needed to allow crews to perform maintenance work on a bridge in the area. The work is weather dependent and could be postponed or rescheduled if conditions are unfavorable.

Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time, reduce their speed and use caution while traveling through the work zone.

State officials also reminded motorists that fines for speeding are doubled in highway work zones. Drivers convicted of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could face the suspension of their driver's license.

"Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers," the Department of Transportation said in its advisory.

Motorists seeking real-time traffic updates can call 511, visit 511NY.org, or use the free 511NY mobile app for current travel conditions and construction information.