Brookhaven Officials Urge MTA to Replace Sheep Pasture Road Bridge in Port Jefferson

On March 3, Brookhaven City Superintendent Ed Romaine, Highway Traffic Officer Dan Losquadro, Councilman Jonathan Kornreich, and New York State and local officials held a press conference calling for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to replace the Sheep Pasture Road Bridge at The Port Jefferson span bridge can adequately handle the increased vehicular traffic on the upper carriageway. The construction of the new bridge will also allow future expansion of third rail electrification below the LIRR right-of-way and reconfiguration of the carriageway above to reduce the sharp angle. Pictured from left to right are Deputy Chief/Council Member Dan Paniko; Supervisor Ed Romaine; Superintendent of Highways Dan Losquadro; Councilman Jonathan Kornreich and New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood.

The railroad bridge, completed in 1906, is operated by the MTA and roadbed maintenance is operated by the City of Brookhaven. The City has applied for a $15.8 million grant for essential roadway repairs through the BridgeNY program. The LIRR is also interested in the potential construction of a second track along the existing railway in the future.

In a January 20, 2023 letter to the New York State Department of Transportation (regarding Sheep Pasture Road Bridge Replacement – City of Brookhaven), Chief Romaine outlined the project and financial commitment for LIRR (50%), New York State (25%) . %) and city (25%). It also stated that, under the New York State Railroad Act (Section 93), the LIRR was required to maintain and maintain the bridge frame (pictured) and its piers, while the City of Brookhaven was only responsible for the upper frame. roadway of the vehicle. Due to its age and wear and tear, the fire department is concerned about the movement of safety equipment on the bridge. The City of Brookhaven will also be responsible for meeting BridgeNY’s 5% match requirement.

Supervisor Romijn said: “At 117 years old, the Sheep Pasture Bridge needs to be replaced with a new one that can handle today’s traffic load, not 1906 when it was built. This is the type of project that the MTA should be spending money on. Instead, local businesses and municipalities like the City of Brookhaven have paid the MTA payroll tax since 2008, and we continue to support New York City while our infrastructure needs to be upgraded.”

Brookhaven Highway Supervisor Dan Loscuadro said, “As a local elected infrastructure official, I am reminded every day of the importance of maintaining safe and reliable roads and bridges. Long Island, especially Brookhaven Town, has repeatedly failed the MTA when it comes to investment in capital infrastructure. While the governor may view Long Island’s local governments and taxpayers as a “blank check” to bail out her faltering agency, it’s imperative that the MTA expend the necessary funds needed to replace the Sheep Pasture Road Bridge. This bridge has had its weight restrictions continually lowered by its own NYSDOT due to its poor structural condition, to the point that emergency vehicles should not even cross it. Because of these restrictions, I have been negotiating with the MTA for the past two years and formally applied for funding through the BridgeNY program, even though Brookhaven is only responsible for pavement maintenance. Brookhaven is doing its part, it’s time for the governor and the MTA to do theirs.”

Council member Jonathan Kornreich said: “Unfortunately, many people in my community feel like the MTA is cheating us. We are paying a growing share of the burden and don’t see it coming back in terms of service and infrastructure improvements. Public transit is incredibly important, and while we hope to receive this massive grant from New York State, my constituents are calling for more consistent and substantial support for local rail transportation. We want the MTA to not only repair and maintain structures like the Sheep Pasture Bridge, but also move ahead with electrification and improve schedules on the Port Jefferson line.”

New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo said, “The Sheep Pasture Bridge is yet another example of the MTA neglecting its transportation duties on Long Island while demanding new and higher taxes for already underserved and overburdened Long Island taxpayers.” -Island. motorists and businesses. The failure of the MTA to maintain this span in proper condition compromises the safety of the roadway and becomes a real danger to local residents. The MTA needs to fulfill its responsibilities and fix this bridge.”

New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood said, “I want to thank Governor Romaine for hosting this press conference and inviting us here today to discuss the Sheep Pasture Bridge. The condition of the bridge is completely unacceptable, and it remains unsafe for local residents and traffic, including for rescuers with heavy equipment. Given the huge state budget, the funding going to other parts of the state, and the MTA’s responsibility for maintaining the infrastructure, the poor condition of this bridge should have been addressed a long time ago. The Bridge NY program, which the city has applied for, provides grants to help with the cost of completing needed repairs. Supervisor Romijn and I will continue to seek funding until the bridge is repaired or replaced to give residents the peace of mind to cross.”

Port Jefferson Village Trustee Lauren Sheprow said, “I support and join Supervisor Romaine’s efforts to widen and strengthen the Sheep Pasture Road Bridge. Like most people in Port Jefferson, I drive over the bridge every day and see how much wear and tear it has. It is also a necessary step in train electrification for a cleaner environment in the future.”