Route 347 Project: Utility Work Continues, Curbs Being Installed

Hauppauge residents may not be able to see the progress signs of Route 347's reconstruction as much of the work remains below the surface.

Eileen Peters, spokeswoman for the New York State Department of Transportation, said construction workers will continue installing drainage and traffic signals this week. Residents will see curbs starting to be installed as workers continue surveying, measuring and marking the roadway.

Each of these steps, Peters said, must be completed before the Department of Transportation begins paving the roadway later this year.

"There's a lot of unseen and unthought about things, like utilities under the roadway that need to be moved, accommodated and changed all while people in the area still have water, electricity, cable and phone connections that are connected under our infrastructure," she said.

With rising summer temperatures, Peters said a reminder was emailed out to construction workers detailed the signs of heat stroke, what to look for and how to take care of themselves.

"We have not encountered any major problems. Everything is moving along well and according to schedule," the spokeswoman said.

The construction is to transform 15 miles of Route 347 into an environmentally conscious, motor and pedestrian-friendly highway stretching from Hauppauge to Port Jefferson. The one-mile stretch in Hauppauge from the Route 347/454 split to the intersection of Route 111 is scheduled to be completed by 2012.

How is the reconstruction of Route 347 affecting your commute? Share your comments or complaints in the comments below, or email the editor at sara-megan.walsh@patch.com.