LIE rest stop plan would ban tractor
trailers, buses
Updated May 19, 2016 2:28 PM
By Deborah S. Morris
State Department of
Transportation officials have
decided to ban tractor-trailer
trucks and buses from a large
rest stop proposed for the
eastbound Long Island
Expressway near Exit 51.
The plan includes a 15,200square-foot “green” LEEDcertified building with
restrooms and lighted
parking for 135 vehicles. The
original proposal that would
have allowed truck and bus
use angered area residents
and local elected officials who said the state made the plans without their input.
But after working with the community, state officials have agreed that there will be no tractor
trailer or bus parking on the site, including the service road that supports the facility.
Those large vehicles will be directed to the DOT maintenance facility at Exit 56 on the
westbound side of the LIE.
The existing “text stop” rest area on the westbound side of the LIE between exits 51 and 52 is
to be permanently closed once work is completed at the Exit 56 maintenance facility.
Work is expected to begin the week of May 23.