FARMINGVILLE, NY – Recent data from the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) indicates that ten bridges on Long Island are currently rated in “poor” condition. This assessment is based on federal standards, which classify bridges with a condition rating of four or below as poor. It’s important to note that a “poor” rating does not necessarily mean a bridge is unsafe; rather, it signifies that the bridge requires repairs or modifications to restore its condition or improve functionality.
The NYSDOT conducts rigorous inspections of all bridges at least every two years to ensure safety and structural integrity.
According to Newsday, among the bridges rated as poor, the busiest is located on the Northern State Parkway over an off-ramp from the Long Island Expressway in East Hills, carrying over 100,000 vehicles daily. Another notable example is the Lincoln Avenue bridge over Sunrise Highway in Bohemia/Sayville, which has recently undergone repairs and is expected to receive an improved rating in its next inspection. Additionally, the Webster Avenue bridge over the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) in Manhasset is currently closed for construction.
The responsibility for maintaining these bridges varies, with counties, towns, villages, and the LIRR overseeing different structures. Local governments often face challenges in securing sufficient funding for maintenance and repairs. For instance, Suffolk County has plans to address the poor condition of the Nicolls Road bridge over Portion Road in Farmingville and Holtsville, as well as to construct a new Smith Point Bridge connecting Shirley to Fire Island and Smith Point County Park, with construction slated to begin in 2026.
Statewide, the percentage of bridges rated in poor condition has seen a slight increase, from approximately 9% in 2023 to 9.4% in 2024, reversing a decade-long trend of improvement. On Long Island, the number of poor-rated bridges increased from eight to ten during the same period, accounting for less than 2% of the region’s bridges. Despite this uptick, Long Island maintains a relatively low percentage of bridges in poor condition compared to other regions in New York State.
The NYSDOT employs a comprehensive inspection program, assessing bridges component by component and assigning condition ratings on a scale from one (worst) to nine (best). Bridges that cannot safely carry heavy vehicles are posted with weight limit restrictions, and any bridge deemed unsafe is closed to ensure public safety.
While a small percentage of Long Island’s bridges are currently rated in poor condition, ongoing inspections and planned repairs aim to address these issues and maintain the safety and functionality of the region’s infrastructure.
