First phase of Flanders Road repaving project underway

As the seven-mile, $5.2 million Flanders Road repaving project gets underway, the state DOT has announced its strategy to minimize impacts on residents, businesses and motorists.

The DOT will shift travel lanes on shorter sections of Route 24, with road work getting underway first in the area between Old Riverhead Road and Birch Avenue in Flanders. That section of the roadway will be repaved before the harsh winter weather sets in, the DOT said in a press release issued Friday afternoon. The lane shifts will be in effect for about a month, and will take place between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, weather permitting.

There may occasionally be single-lane closures during those hours, the DOT said.

“Construction operations are expected to move south to north but may switch locations to accommodate changing construction conditions,” according to the press release. “When this section of NY Route 24 is completed, the repaving operation between the other limits of the project will resume in the spring of 2015.”

Motorists will be warned in advance of the lane shifts via portable electronic road signs. Drivers who cannot use alternate routes are reminded to drive carefully through the work zone for their safety as well as the safety of the highway work crew.

The top layer of the worn, distressed pavement will be removed then replaced with new asphalt and fresh pavement markings including bike lane striping and more visible pedestrian crosswalks. The project is being undertaken by Rosemar of East Moriches, New York.

As with most road and bridge projects, this construction work may be cancelled, postponed, or prolonged due to inclement weather. For 24/7 up-to-date traffic and travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit www.511NY.org. In addition, travel information can be obtained from the INFORM Transportation Management Center cameras at www.INFORMNY.com and on their hand held communication devices at www.INFORMNY.mobi.