Patchogue NY
9-15-2026 11:45pm

Officials Push to Widen Sunrise Highway as Suffolk County Traffic Congestion Grows

Officials Push to Widen Sunrise Highway as Suffolk County Traffic Congestion Grows

Proposal calls for adding a third lane along a heavily traveled stretch between Patchogue and the Moriches area

By Samantha Vogel | Long Island Daily News
September 15, 2026

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Anyone who regularly travels Sunrise Highway through central and eastern Suffolk County knows how quickly traffic can build when the roadway narrows.

Now, state and local officials are calling for a major expansion of the highway in an effort to address congestion and improve travel for motorists and emergency responders.

The proposal focuses on the stretch of Sunrise Highway where the roadway narrows from three lanes to two near Patchogue, with officials seeking to extend a third travel lane farther east toward the Moriches area.

The heavily traveled corridor serves thousands of Long Islanders each day and provides a critical east-west connection for communities across Suffolk County.

Supporters of the proposed expansion say congestion along the highway isn’t simply an inconvenience for commuters. Traffic backups can also create challenges for police, firefighters, ambulances and other emergency responders trying to reach incidents quickly.

North Patchogue Assistant Fire Chief Daniel Glenn told ABC7 that navigating the area during rush hour can be particularly difficult for emergency personnel.

The proposal would require action and funding at the state level before construction could move forward.

Any major expansion would also involve additional planning and review, meaning Long Islanders should not expect an additional lane to appear overnight.

Still, the renewed push brings attention to a problem familiar to drivers throughout Suffolk County: as motorists travel east, Sunrise Highway transitions from a wider roadway into fewer lanes, creating a bottleneck during periods of heavy traffic.

The issue can become particularly noticeable during rush hour and during the busy summer travel season, when thousands of additional motorists head toward eastern Long Island.

For residents who depend on Sunrise Highway for work, school, appointments and everyday travel, the debate over expanding the highway could have significant long-term implications.

Whether the proposal ultimately receives the funding and approvals necessary to move forward remains to be seen.

Long Island Daily News will continue following the proposed Sunrise Highway expansion and what it could mean for motorists and communities across Suffolk County.

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