Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi, Congressman Steve Israel (D-NY 02), and Presiding Officer of the Nassau County Legislature Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury), joined other government officials last week to announce the beginning of safety reconstruction at the intersection of Woodbury Road and Syosset Roads.

"These conditions have been going on for too long," Israel said. "Now, the federal money that I've brought home combined with the resources that County Executive Suozzi and Presiding Officer Jacobs have invested, will make this intersection safer."

"This intersection is one of the most difficult in Nassau County," said Suozzi." We wanted to improve the traffic flow at this intersection to make it safer for the local residents, motorists and pedestrians. This example of cooperation between state and local government has helped to realize this project, which goes a long way toward correcting these problems."

"Drivers who use this road are familiar with this awkward intersection," Jacobs said." For those who wish to travel north on Woodbury Road, the left turn is one with limited sight distance. There is no easy way to go through this intersection," she added. "I also commend Congressman Israel for fighting to secure the federal funds to help improve this intersection."

Woodbury Road will be improved by creating a signalized T intersection, improving safety by eliminating the current hairpin turn and reducing the grade of the road approaching this intersection. The improvements to this intersection are long overdue. The original $12 million bond ordinance for this project was created in 1980. Now, 25 years later, with intergovernmental cooperation and streamlined costs, this project will be completed. Congressman Israel secured $3.4 million in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act for road improvements on Woodbury Road ($1.6 million) and Jackson Avenue ($1.8 million).