Route 347 Project: Traffic Signal Poles, Safety Fencing Installed

Hauppauge drivers might be seeing more orange than ever before while driving along Route 347 due to this week's construction efforts.

Eileen Peters, spokeswoman for the New York Department of Transportation, said workers made progress on Route 347's recontruction this week despite the heavy rains. New traffic signals poles were installed at intersections along the one-mile stretch of Route 347 spanning from the Route 347/454 interchange east to the intersection with Route 111.

In addition, chain link fencing was removed and replaced with silk fencing, that allows greater access to work zones while preventing erosion of environmentally sensitive areas, according to Peters.

"The silk fencing will be installed temporarily while they are working to prevent debris, silt or other runoff from going into the roadway," she said.

Work continues to progress on the installation and replacement of the water main and stormwater drainage systems.

"The work is being done in section in effort to minimize the impact on the economy," Peters 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 having any impact on your property? Share your comments or complaints in the comments below, or email the editor at sara-megan.walsh@patch.com.