Beltagh Avenue construction begins

The long-awaited reconstruction of Beltagh Avenue has begun. As soon as school let out, construction crews started work paving the quarter-mile road which serves the Wantagh High School-Middle School complex and two animal shelters.

The road, filled with potholes, dips and cracks, will be fixed in time for the start of the new school year. There will be new asphalt, new curbs and new handicapped access ramps for the sidewalks.

“We’re very pleased to work with the Wantagh School District,” Town Supervisor Kate Murray said. “This road literally brings thousands of students, parents and teachers to this area every day.”

Last week, Murray and Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney met with school administration and Board of Education trustees in front of the high school to look over the project in its early stages.

The road runs from Wantagh Avenue until the dead-end at the footbridge over the Wantagh Parkway. The harsh winter took its toll on a road that was already deteriorating, and school officials sought the town’s help. The road was put on the 2015 paving schedule and work started just days into summer vacation.

“There are so few people at this point coming to our buildings,” Superintendent of Schools Maureen Goldberg said. “This is the time to get it done.”

Goldberg said that throughout the summer, the back entrance to the school complex on Daffodil Lane will be open to ensure that the schools are accessible for employees and any visitors.

New York American Water was replacing underground pipes last week along Beltagh Avenue. Murray said that all utility companies are notified when a road project is set to begin, and are asked to complete any planned work before the street is repaved. She said it frustrating to see a freshly paved road dug up, and is glad when the utilities, like in this situation, cooperate.

Metro Paving will be doing the work, which is expected to be completed by early August. The project is expected to cost about $325,000.

Murray explained that the town maintains about 1,200 miles of road. She said the Engineering Department surveys the conditions of all roads each year, and compiles of list of streets that need to be repaved.

In determining what streets make the cut, Murray said town officials consider the use of a road. Beltagh Avenue, despite its short distance, is extensively used, handing traffic for two schools, the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, Last Hope Animal Rescue and a pet cemetery. “That factored in heavily,” she said. “We know it will do the most good here.”

School officials, who have heard the complaints about the condition of the road over the past few years, say they are looking forward to seeing the finished product. “We’re very grateful to Kate Murray, the Town of Hempstead and everyone out there that’s working very hard,” Board of Education President Anthony Greco said.