Accident Shuts Down Part Of The Long Island Expressway During Morning Rush Hour
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - A fatal accident created a significant traffic headache for commuters on the Long Island Expressway this morning.
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All westbound traffic lanes along the LIE near Exit 41 around Jericho were shut down following an accident at around 3 a.m. The lanes reopened at around 8:30 a.m.
The accident investigation continued.
Traffic was backed up for miles. The Northern State Parkway was swollen with runoff traffic.
The accident comes less than a week after a federal study pointed out the 7.2-mile stretch from Exit 35 to Exit 41 needs immediate safety changes.
Some 25 law enforcement officers have been injured, paralyzed or killed in that stretch during the last decade, most recently 39-year-old Officer Michael Califano.
Results of a 43-page assessment show emergency pull-off areas, more overhead lights and cameras to deter speeders are all needed, in addition to blue strobes and reflective clothing for police officers.
"They recognize there is a problem. They should act upon it immediately. There's federal funds available for it," said Nassau County PBA President James Carver.
What do you think needs to be done to improve safety? Sound off in our comments section.
