We're pretty sure this plan is the one. It seems to be getting a lot of support from the public, civic associations, elected officials generally everybody. I think the public is beginning to realize that they can give feedback and it is actually listened to and considered. They don't just throw up their hands they know that we listen now. We feel it would also make the road safer.
Congestion inevitably leads to reduced air quality and a poorer quality of life.
Finally, the committee believes that the new plan will fail to create an efficient flow of traffic because it does not separate local from express traffic, and because it will require extremely long waits at traffic lights. The public review and environmental impact study process is expected to continue through at least 2005, with completion tentatively scheduled for 2010. Following the recommendations of the Committee for a New 347, NY 347 should be converted into a six-lane expressway from Hauppauge to Mount Sinai, with service roads at selected locations. It will also take traffic off NY 25 and NY 25A, which are crowded commercial corridors through the towns of Smithtown and Brookhaven. Finally, the parkway-style design features will provide a safer, more visually appealing alternative to existing arterial plans.