Community Watchdog

Community Watchdog readers from Huntington, especially those in the Centerport area, probably noticed that the town has missed its April 1 date for finishing work on the Mill Dam bridge and causeway area.

Area residents should be getting a letter any day now, explaining the delay.

The project turned out to be bigger than planned and then community input added more time that nobody counted on.

Town of Huntington spokeswoman Fran Evans said the project’s original $1.6 million budget grew to $2.3 million. Part of the $700,000 in additional costs includes expanded work on the causeway because more of it was falling apart than anyone realized and a special guide rail.

Some residents complained about the steel guide rail that was planned for the site. They wanted a wood rail, like the one that had been there previously. But wood guide rails splinter and have been banned. So, trying to accommodate the residents, the town searched for and found a steel-backed timber rail that cost more, but satisfied the residents who thought it was important enough to delay the project for it. It’s been ordered and should be delivered within four weeks, according to a letter being sent to residents by Supervisor Frank Petrone and the town board members.

“We are aware of the inconvenience that this has caused the community and apologize for the delays,” the letter states. “We are confident the final product will meet with your approval and that the addition of sidewalks, lighting and new railings will very much add to the charm and character of the community.”

Between the guide rail issue, the expanded work on the causeway and other details needed to complete the project, the new completion date is set for the end of June, Evans said.

My question is about the Mill Dam causeway in Centerport, which crosses Mill Pond between the Little Neck peninsula and Huntington Beach. The bridge is closed. How long will we have to wait for this road to be repaired and reopened?

--Dianne Guarino, Centerport

Repairs to the Mill Dam causeway started in mid-November and should be completed by spring, Huntington Town Highway Superintendent William Naughton said. However,“we have to worry about weather...particularly storms and frost,” he said.

New asphalt and concrete are sensitive to the cold, so roadwork generally isn’t done year-’round, Naughton said. Ground temperature must be at least 40 degrees to pour asphalt, 24 degrees for concrete.

The approach roads to the Mill Dam bridge started deteriorating and the town closed the causeway in August after it was deemed unsafe, Naughton said. Suffolk County maintains the bridge, but the town is responsible for the approaches. New sidewalks and street lights also are planned for the area, he said.

Until the bridge opens again, drivers take Center Shore Road into Centerport, a route that’s about a mile longer than when using the bridge.

Huntington residents concerned about any road maintained by the town can call the highway department, 631-499-0444.

Also related to this topic:
Town of Huntington Highway Department
U.S. Department of Highway Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (Curing practices for pavements)