The Long Island Expressway (I-495 in Long Island, New York) has been in dire need of larger rest areas equipped with bathrooms and additional parking.
A bigger rest area would also mean more trucks would be able to park. Yet surprisingly, the community has argued against the expansion of rest areas for the past 20 years.
According to an article from Land Line Mag, although community members still oppose the expansion project, there is one underway.
Renovations will take place at a rest area between Exits 51 and 52 on the Long Island Expressway in Dix Hills. The expansion will include restrooms, 135 additional parking spaces, video monitoring and will be guarded by police at all times.
But there’s one major issue for truck drivers, who desperately need the parking — semi trucks will no longer be permitted to use the rest stop.
The New York Dept. of Transportation is allegedly exploring other options for truck drivers.
At a recent board meeting of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, Board Member Terry Button said regarding the expansion, “New York actually likes trucks, and many areas appreciate what trucks do for the economy. But people like these Long Island residents…aren’t willing to be part of the truck parking solution.”