Construction Continues on the North Shore Rail Trail
The North Shore Rail Trail, formerly known as the Rails to Trails Recreational Path, is an approximately 10-mile recreational path and is currently under construction on the former Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) right-of-way, owned by the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). The trail runs from Crystal Brook Hollow Road in Mt. Sinai to Wading River Manor Road in Wading River, and parallels NYS Rt. 25A.
Please be advised, the trail is still not open to the public and for the purposes of resident safety, usage of the trail is discouraged until the remainder of the important safety measures have been put in place. Construction is continuing as planned. The Suffolk County Department of Public Works (DPW) and DF Stone Construction have completed the RCA subbase along all 10 miles of the trail and the top asphalt layer is currently being laid. Near the Shoreham Bridge, it has been approved for the utility lines to be moved underneath the bridge and for the path to continue across the bridge. Curb cuts have been added to each access point on the trail. The trail is still scheduled to be completed in Fall 2021.
The project was first suggested over 50 years ago by local civic members, and re-introduced in 2001 by advocates of bicycle organizations, the Setauket-Port Jefferson Greenway Trail and community residents. Many individuals and elected officials have assisted in facilitating the path that is funded by federal and state grants totaling close to $10 million, with a $500,000 match from Suffolk County. Suffolk County entered into a licensing agreement with LIPA to utilize the right-of-way for the trail. The engineering group NV5 was chosen by the DPW to plan and design the trail. The final design was approved by Suffolk County DPW, New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2018.
In 2019, Suffolk County’s DPW approved DF Stone Contracting to construct the trail, reducing the cost of trail construction by approximately $2 million through the Request for Proposal process. The county will work with the Town of Brookhaven Department of Highways and NYSDOT for trail signage and lighting installation at road intersections. Maintenance of the trail will involve a partnership with not-for-profit organizations and Suffolk County Parks Department. Suffolk County Police and Parks Department will provide law enforcement oversight for the trail.
The trail will connect local recreational areas, schools, businesses, residential areas and athletic fields. It will provide a safer alternative for residents to walk, run and bike. The project will be a green transportation alternative that will reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and encourage healthier lifestyles. The trail’s close proximity to many locally-owned businesses along NYS Rt. 25A will enhance the local economy and promote the ecotourism hub that includes the Tesla Science Museum, New York State RCA Park and downtown revitalization of Rocky Point.
Legislator Anker’s office formed the North Shore Rail Trail (formerly Rails to Trails) Civic Advisory Roundtable in 2016. Each civic organization in the 6th Legislative District has designated a representative to attend the roundtable meetings to provide input in the development of the trail and to keep the community informed and involved in the design and construction of the project.
620 Route 25A, Mt. Sinai, New York 11766 • 631-854-1600
ContactLegislatorAnker@suffolkcountyny.gov