Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) and Congressman Steve Israel (D-Huntington) met last week at a crossroads—the crossroads of Woodbury Road and Syosset-Woodbury Road, to discuss future plans for the intersection.

The lawmakers announced that they have both secured funding sources to improve the intersection. Congressman Israel has secured $14 million in the House-passed Transportation Equity Act for his Congressional District. Of the $14 million Israel secured, $1.5 million dollars is dedicated to making this intersection safer. Presiding Officer Jacobs stated that the County has already dedicated $1.2 million for the design completion and subsequent construction of improvements to the intersection. These improvements will include the re-alignment or straightening of the intersection, adding turning lanes and installing a traffic light.

“Drivers who use this road are familiar with this awkward intersection,” Legislator Jacobs said. “For those who wish to travel north on Woodbury Road, the left turn is one with limited sight distance. No matter in which direction you are traveling, nor on which road, 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 hopefully further improve this intersection.”

"We are willing to spend what it takes to pave the roads in Baghdad, so we can afford to improve complicated intersections like this one here at home," said Congressman Israel.

“I’m sure the residents and drivers who use this popular road will be relieved to learn that the safety of this intersection will be improved in the future,” Legislator Jacobs said.