With beach season fast approaching, Suffolk County is in a race against the calendar at the Smith Point Bridge. Crews were working beneath the aging Shirley drawbridge on Friday as the county tries to shore up the span in time for the summer rush. The bridge is currently down to a single alternating lane after inspections found structural deterioration, and officials say they are aiming to bring back two-lane traffic by Memorial Day.
According to News 12 Long Island, county crews were out yesterday performing emergency stabilization work after a routine state inspection last year uncovered the problems. Traffic is now controlled by signals, and heavier vehicles are facing new restrictions to help protect the weakened structure. Moriches resident Gunter Glinka voiced what many locals are thinking, telling the outlet, "The summer traffic is going to be affected by that."
What county officials say
Suffolk County's Department of Public Works says the current flurry of emergency work is all about keeping the existing bridge safe and usable while the county advances a long-planned replacement project. Suffolk County notes the new 1,812-foot fixed bridge is slated to rise just west of the current span, with two standard travel lanes, shoulders, and an ADA-accessible pedestrian and bike path. Officials say the existing bridge is expected to stay open to traffic throughout construction.
Timeline, cost and what to expect
Project documents and local coverage put the price tag for the replacement at more than $100 million, with estimates that the new bridge could open around 2029. Patch and regional reporting note that federal funding is already in play for the high-level design, and that permitting and bidding are expected to move ahead this spring.
How this affects summer beachgoers
For drivers headed to Smith Point County Park, the single-lane traffic pattern and emergency postings are likely to mean longer waits, especially on sunny weekends. Officials and reporters say some deliveries and larger RVs may be rerouted because of the current load restrictions, which could add a few logistical headaches on top of the usual beach traffic.
News 12 Long Island also reports that engineers have been inspecting the Ponquogue Bridge in Hampton Bays, which is operating under a five-ton weight limit, and that the Fire Island Inlet Bridge is on the list for repairs in the coming year, suggesting Smith Point is not the only key route under scrutiny.
Next steps
Suffolk County says these short-term fixes at Smith Point are designed to keep traffic moving and ensure emergency vehicles can still reach the barrier beach while the larger replacement project inches toward construction. The county's project page and weekly updates are expected to outline lane status, closures, and any detours as the work continues, and the Department of Public Works is urging drivers to follow posted signs and build in extra travel time, especially when beach weather hits.
