New York State DOT released the detailed plans for the Long Island Expressway and Cross Island Parkway Interchange upgrade to City DOT this week. Although technically a separate project from the LIE widening for HOV lanes, the Cross Island Interchange must be modified before the new LIE lanes could be built. The release of the plans shows that DOT is continuing its expansion of the LIE despite unified community opposition.

Under state highway law, the Mayor can cancel certain highway projects once such detailed plans are submitted. Canceling the interchange upgrade would doom the entire Queens LIE project.

State DOT did not give the plans to State Senator Padavan, Assembly Member Weprin, Council Member Leffler, Community Board 11 or any of the local civic groups which have opposed the LIE widening, several of whom expressed their outrage on being informed by City DOT officials that the plans existed since Weprin had not been given a copy by State DOT.

The State asked the City to make written comments by early April. However, some City sources said that written comments would not suffice and that they will request a public meeting.

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