Two State Department of Transportation Projects Recognized for Their Innovative and Transformative Community Impacts

Contact: Stephen Canzoneri, (631) 952-6633
Release Date: August 18, 2026

Two State Department of Transportation Projects Recognized for Their Innovative and Transformative Community Impacts

Reconstruction of State Route 347 in Suffolk County and Safety Improvements to the Jackie Robinson Parkway in Kings and Queens Counties Awarded Regional Accolades in Prestigious 2026 America’s Transportation Awards Competition

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced that two NYSDOT projects – the reconstruction of a key section of State Route 347 in Suffolk County and safety enhancements on the Jackie Robinson Parkway in Kings and Queens Counties – were recognized by the northeast region of the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) for improving the mobility, safety, and quality of life for the communities they serve. The projects are two of eleven state department of transportation projects from across the northeast to earn regional accolades in the 2026 America’s Transportation Awards competition.

“On behalf of the incredible team of professionals at the New York State Department of Transportation, it is an honor to receive these awards for the projects we are advancing to enhance public safety and mobility for all users, improve connectivity in our communities and deliver growth and economic opportunity for all New Yorkers,” Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. “Thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership and historic $34.5 billion investment in transportation infrastructure, we are making great strides to strengthen public safety and improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers and we are grateful to our many AASHTO colleagues for their recognition of these efforts.”

All nominated projects first compete at the regional level against projects of their own size: “Small” (projects costing up to $10 million), “Medium” (projects costing between $10 million and $100 million), and “Large” (projects costing more than $100 million). This year’s winning regional projects from New York are:

 

 

State Route 347 Safety, Mobility, and Environmental Improvements Project

The Reconstruction of State Route 347 in Suffolk County was recognized in the Operations Excellence, Large Project category, which honors projects that make effective use of existing transportation assets and processes (such as infrastructure, procedures, technology, partnerships) resulting in cost-effective, near-term solutions. This project delivered necessary safety enhancements and improved mobility along a highway that was originally used as a roadway for farmers but now serves as a major highway for daily commuters resulting in additional traffic volumes that have led to increased vehicular crashes and congestion. These safety-mobility-accessibility problems were addressed by adding additional travel lanes, increased turning lane capacity, and upgraded intersections, including signal coordination. This modified boulevard now includes a shared-use path, upgraded pedestrian facilities, green stops, and bus pull-off areas and shelters to facilitate other modes of transportation. Accessibility along the corridor was also improved by providing ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant road infrastructure, road crossings, traffic signals, and ADA compliant bus stations.

 

Safety and Operational Improvements on the Jackie Robinson Parkway

The Jackie Robinson Safety and Operational Improvements Project was recognized in the Safety, Small Project category, which honors which highlights projects that implement proven countermeasures to protect transportation system users and/or workers and showcase innovative approaches to reducing roadway crashes. This cost-effective and transformative $9.6 million project was undertaken to reduce crash risks, improve mobility, and enhance pedestrian accessibility along the Jackie Robinson Parkway, a critical urban parkway corridor connecting Brooklyn and Queens. This project focused on the area between Jamaica Avenue and Highland Boulevard which experienced exceptionally high crash rates, with eastbound and westbound rates 4.7 and 11.6 times above the statewide average. Engineering analysis indicates crashes may be reduced by up to 40% because of this project, particularly rear-end and side-swipe collisions. ADA compliant curb ramps, refreshed pavement markings, improved lighting, and streetscape enhancements were also included in the project to improve accessibility and visibility, advancing NYC’s Vision Zero goals. As a result, this project has provided safer, smoother, and more reliable travel for thousands of daily users.

Sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the America’s Transportation Awards honor transportation projects that deliver meaningful benefits to communities. Projects compete regionally in four categories – Quality of Life/Community Development, Operations Excellence, Best Use of Technology & Innovation, and Safety – showcasing the essential role transportation plays in improving mobility, safety, and quality of life for all users. The regional winners are selected from 30 projects submitted by eight states and the District of Columbia in the Northeast Association of State Transportation Officials (NASTO) region.

Regional competitions will continue throughout the summer. Once all regional winners are announced, the three top scoring winners from each region will advance to the Top 12, which will be revealed in early September. These standout projects will then compete for two national honors in the 2026 America’s Transportation Awards.

The Grand Prize will be chosen by an independent panel of transportation industry judges, while the People’s Choice Award will be decided through online public voting. AASHTO will reveal both winners at its annual meeting in November 2026 in Louisville, KY. The winners of both of those awards will each receive $10,000 to donate to a scholarship fund or charitable cause of their choice.

Senator Charles Schumer said, “When I passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, it was to modernize local infrastructure, boost jobs and the economy, and make vital improvements in communities across New York —and that’s exactly what these projects have done. Federal funding delivered major upgrades to State Route 347, AKA the Smithtown Bypass, and the Jackie Robinson Parkway, making travel safer and more efficient for New Yorkers while creating local jobs. I thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to strengthening our state’s infrastructure, and I’m proud to see these projects recognized for their transformative community impacts.”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “All New Yorkers deserve access to safe, reliable infrastructure that keeps people moving and our economy growing. The recognition of the Jackie Robinson Parkway and State Route 347 for their positive community impact is a testament to everyone in New York State who made these projects a reality. I’m proud to have delivered federal dollars through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that made these improvements possible. I’ll continue fighting to deliver the resources needed to modernize our aging infrastructure and build state-of-the-art transportation systems in New York.”

Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez said, “Brooklyn and Queens commuters are already feeling the difference on the Jackie Robinson Parkway, with safer conditions for the thousands of New Yorkers that rely on this corridor every day. I'm glad to see NYSDOT recognized for this accomplishment, and I congratulate Commissioner Dominguez and her team on this award. This is what federal infrastructure dollars look like when they're effectively put to work in our communities.”

State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said, "I applaud the New York State Department of Transportation on this well-deserved recognition and its continued work to strengthen our transportation system. The recognition of the Jackie Robinson Parkway safety improvements highlights the importance of investing in safer and more accessible transportation infrastructure for our communities. This project will help improve safety and mobility for the thousands of Brooklyn and Queens residents who rely on this critical corridor every day.”

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay said, “Route 347 is an essential roadway for our district, and these improvements are making a real difference for the residents, families, and businesses that rely on it every day. I am proud to see this project receive regional recognition for improving safety, mobility, and accessibility while creating a more welcoming corridor for pedestrians and cyclists. These investments are helping make Route 347 safer and more efficient while improving the quality of life for everyone who uses it. I look forward to seeing our residents benefiting from this thoughtful planning, and to further build on the progress we have already made on roadways throughout the district."
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr, said, "Thousands of Queens residents rely on the Jackie Robinson Parkway every day to get to and from home, work, school and beyond. But for far too long, this stretch of road has been among one of the most dangerous in the borough when it comes to the unacceptably high rate of crashes. Thanks to the state DOT's nearly $10 million investment in better markings, new lighting and other enhancements, the Jackie Robinson is now much safer and easier to navigate. Congratulations to our partners in government on rightfully being recognized for this critical work."

Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Daniel J. Panico said, “New York State Route 347 is one of the most heavily traveled roadways in Suffolk County, and that growing volume of traffic has demanded significant and careful attention from the traffic professionals at the New York State Department of Transportation. I’m pleased to see those professionals recognized by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) for their work on a thoughtful and attractive design, particularly its focus on accessibility for people with disabilities. I congratulate everyone who contributed to this well-coordinated project, from design through implementation. We look forward to the continued progress and, ultimately, the completion of construction through Brookhaven Town.”

 

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