State Senators: LI's Oakdale Merge A Headache For Commuters

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Two New York State senators are advocating for funding to fix a Long Island roadway that they believe causes a headache for commuters.

Senators Tom Croci and Phil Boyle are pushing for funds that would help ease the traffic congestion at the Oakdale merge -- a section of highway connecting Sunrise Highway and Montauk Highway between Great River and Oakdale in Suffolk County.

"Every night it's a city of red brake lights in both directions -- it literally adds 20 minutes to people's commute out here on Long Island," Croci told WCBS 880's Sophia Hall. 

At certain points, the lanes of traffic are reduced from 10 lanes to six -- a reduction in roadway that poses potential dangers and slowdowns during rush hour, according to the senators.

"As much as it is a safety issue, it's a quality of life issue," Croci said. "We pay a lot of money in taxes -- a lot of it goes up to Albany. We're just asking for a little bit to come back down so we can fix a problem that affects our lives everyday."

Elaine Faith Thompson lives nearby the busy merge.

"I hear every day ambulances, I see the helicopters -- there's always accidents here," she said.

Boyle said fixing the merge would also be beneficial to nearby businesses, by allowing for easier access from either side of the road.