Merrick Avenue getting curbs, sidewalks

Drivers traveling on Merrick Avenue in recent weeks have had their trips delayed owing to construction, as new curbs and sidewalks are being installed along parts of the busy thoroughfare.

Nassau County Legislator Norma Gonsalves, a Republican from East Meadow who represents North Merrick, included the work in Nassau County’s capital project fund.

The work stretches from Camp Avenue Elementary School north to the westbound entrance to the Southern State Parkway, and for the past two weeks, Merrick Avenue has been lined with orange cones as the work is being done.

The avenue has long lacked curbs and sidewalks, which has presented a problem for joggers and for parents walking their children to and from school — Camp Avenue, Fayette and Old Mill Road elementary schools are all located nearby. Sacred Heart Church also lies on Merrick Avenue, inside the construction zone.

“We wanted to do as much as we could to enhance safety along that road,” said Gonsalves, “especially for the children who attend schools along that road. Without sidewalks and without curbs, it’s very difficult for the children to be walking in the road.”

The work began at the end of August. Once the work is finished, Merrick Avenue will be restriped to accommodate the new curbs.

She added that the work is being done in conjunction with North Merrick School District officials, who had their own construction project this summer at Camp Avenue School.

Dan McCloy, the director of law, finance and operations for the Republican majority in the Legislature, estimated the project cost at $500,000.