Grid box markings drawn on Rockaway Turnpike by Meadowmere Park

In an effort to reduce gridlock in a heavily trafficked area and help emergency responders, Nassau County’s Department of Public Works painted a grid box at the intersection of East Avenue by Meadowmere Park and Rockaway Turnpike.

Meadowmere Park Fire Department officials, residents and then County Legislator Carrié Solages (D - Lawrence) have stumped for the installation of the markings since 2015. The grid box is in addition to the existing “State Law -- Do Not Block Side Road” signs at the intersection. The work was completed earlier this month.

Fire department officials previously warned that the gridlock, which prevents fire trucks and ambulances from promptly responding to emergency calls within its jurisdiction, is a critical public safety concern and an inconvenience to residents of the roughly 100-house Meadowmere Park community near the Nassau/Queens border.

“I am glad that improvements have been completed for this gridlock-plagued community,” Solages stated in a news release. “My office will continue to monitor conditions to determine if further steps are needed to ensure the quality of life and well-being of Meadowmere Park’s residents and first responders.”