Traffic Light Construction Jams Up Higbie Lane-Union Boulevard Intersection

Residents shouldn't be alarmed if they're sitting in traffic at the hectic intersection of Higbie Lane and Union Boulevard Wednesday afternoon. 

Construction has begun due to many resident requests to modify the traffic lighting at the intersection, county officials said.

Bob Schaefer, chief of staff for the Suffolk County Legislature District 11, said he expects the workers to begin cleaning up the site at 3 p.m., so the area should be cleared by rush hour. 

Among the modifications Schaefer pointed out was a new audio system being installed into the lights, as well as new arrows. 

"Apparently there's someone who is sight impaired in the vicinity, so they had to wait for that [parts] to come in, so that's what took so long to do it."

Workers are also moving the location of the pedestrian button that rested near the bushes of the automotive center on the southeast corner of the intersection.  The button will be pushed out toward the street so it's more noticeable and easier to navigate. 

Although he didn't  have an exact timetable for when the construction would be finished, Schaefer put in a request to the Director of Traffic Engineering and Highway Permits, Dan Drecsh.  He expects to hear back sometime tomorrow.  

"Unfortuantly when you get something done, there's a little inconveniece," he said.  "But it will turn out better in the long run."

Patch will update this story as soon as more information is available.