Route 347 Project in Suffolk County Earns Regional Recognition in 2026 America’s Transportation Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Route 347 Project in Suffolk County Earns Regional Recognition in 2026 America’s Transportation Awards

NYSDOT project recognized for safety, mobility and environmental improvements; Jackie Robinson Parkway project also honored

SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. — August 18, 2026 — A major reconstruction project along State Route 347 in Suffolk County has received regional recognition in the prestigious 2026 America’s Transportation Awards competition for improvements designed to enhance safety, mobility, accessibility and quality of life.

The New York State Department of Transportation⁠ announced that the Route 347 Safety, Mobility and Environmental Improvements Project was selected as a Northeast regional winner in the Operations Excellence — Large Project category.

A second NYSDOT project, safety and operational improvements along the Jackie Robinson Parkway in Brooklyn and Queens, was recognized in the Safety — Small Project category.

The two New York projects were among 11 transportation projects from across the Northeast receiving regional honors.

Major Improvements to Route 347

Route 347, also known as the Smithtown Bypass, has evolved from a roadway once used by farmers into one of Suffolk County’s major transportation corridors.

Growing traffic volumes over the years contributed to congestion and safety concerns along the highway.

The reconstruction project addressed those challenges through additional travel lanes, expanded turning capacity and upgraded intersections, including coordinated traffic signals.

The redesigned boulevard also incorporates a shared-use path, upgraded pedestrian facilities, green stops, bus pull-off areas and shelters, providing additional transportation options beyond automobile travel.

Accessibility improvements include infrastructure, road crossings, traffic signals and bus stations designed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said the recognition reflects the department’s efforts to improve safety and mobility while strengthening communities.

“On behalf of the incredible team of professionals at the New York State Department of Transportation, it is an honor to receive these awards for the projects we are advancing to enhance public safety and mobility for all users, improve connectivity in our communities and deliver growth and economic opportunity for all New Yorkers,” Dominguez said.

Brookhaven Supervisor Praises Route 347 Work

Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Daniel J. Panico noted the importance of Route 347 to Suffolk County and praised the project’s emphasis on accessibility.

“New York State Route 347 is one of the most heavily traveled roadways in Suffolk County, and that growing volume of traffic has demanded significant and careful attention from the traffic professionals at the New York State Department of Transportation,” Panico said.

Panico said he was pleased to see NYSDOT professionals recognized for what he called a thoughtful design, particularly its accommodations for people with disabilities.

“We look forward to the continued progress and, ultimately, the completion of construction through Brookhaven Town,” Panico said.

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay also highlighted the roadway’s importance to residents, families and businesses.

“Route 347 is an essential roadway for our district, and these improvements are making a real difference for the residents, families, and businesses that rely on it every day,” Kassay said.

Jackie Robinson Parkway Project Also Honored

NYSDOT’s $9.6 million Jackie Robinson Parkway Safety and Operational Improvements Project received recognition in the Safety — Small Project category.

The project focused on the section between Jamaica Avenue and Highland Boulevard, where crash rates had significantly exceeded statewide averages.

According to NYSDOT, engineering analysis indicates the improvements could reduce crashes by as much as 40 percent, particularly rear-end and sideswipe collisions.

Work included ADA-compliant curb ramps, refreshed pavement markings, improved lighting and streetscape enhancements.

Projects Could Advance to National Competition

Sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials⁠, the America’s Transportation Awards recognize transportation projects that provide meaningful benefits to communities.

Projects compete regionally in four categories: Quality of Life/Community Development, Operations Excellence, Best Use of Technology & Innovation, and Safety.

The Route 347 project competed in the Large Project division, reserved for projects costing more than $100 million.

Regional competitions will continue throughout the summer. The three highest-scoring projects from each region will advance to the competition’s Top 12, expected to be announced in early September.

Those projects will then compete for the national Grand Prize and People’s Choice Award, with winners expected to be announced during AASHTO’s annual meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, in November.

Each national winner will receive $10,000 to donate to a scholarship fund or charitable organization of its choice.

About NYSDOT

The New York State Department of Transportation’s mission is to provide a safe, reliable, equitable and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment and supports New York’s economy.

Media Contact:
Stephen Canzoneri
New York State Department of Transportation
631-952-6633
stephen.canzoneri@dot.ny.gov

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Prepared for publication by Long Island Daily News
Long Island Daily News⁠