Major project to upgrade Main Street will begin in August

Luke Torrance
Rendering of the streetscape project on Main Street in Port Washington near the LIRR Station. (Courtesy of Carole Trottere)

A project to upgrade the streetscape on Main Street in Port Washington will begin early next month, according to a news release from the Town of North Hempstead.

Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio said the improvements will increase traffic flow, add greenery and make Port Washington more welcoming for bikers and pedestrians.

Most of the $1 million project, part of North Hempstead’s Capital Improvement Plan, will focus on the area around Port’s Long Island Rail Road station. Work will begin the first week of August and is expected to last six months. The engineering and consulting firm NV5 was awarded the contract for the project.

“Our new streetscape is a continuing commitment to invest in our local economy and to improve the everyday experience of our residents,” De Giorgio said.

The sidewalk and curbs on both sides of Main Street from Irma Avenue/Haven Avenue to Port Washington Boulevard will be removed and reconstructed. Curb extensions will be put in place on Maryland and Haven Avenues.

Flush medians will be installed near the station on Main Street and Haven Avenue, which includes concrete paving and curbing, brick work, drainage work and the addition of site furniture.

Finally, trees deemed to be diseased or to have caused significant damage to the sidewalks, curbs, and street pavement will be removed. According to a statement from the town, this will be done to accommodate new street grades and will be overseen by independent arborists. Where possible, new trees will be planted in place of the removed ones.

The Town recognizes the importance of a vibrant downtown Port Washington,” Bosworth said. “This streetscape project will make traveling down Main Street a more pleasurable experience for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. Not only will these beautification projects increase safety, but they will also help add character to our community.”

These improvements were planned by North Hempstead following input from local organizations like the Greater Port Washington Business Improvement District, the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce, the Port Washington Police Department, and the Port Washington Volunteer Fire Department. The town thanked these groups for their ideas to improve Main Street.  

 Reach reporter Luke Torrance by email at ltorrance@theislandnow.com, by phone at 516-307-1045, ext. 214, or follow him on Twitter @LukeATorrance.

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