PSEG: Construction in Valley Stream will last through August

PSEG will start construction in western Valley Stream this week to replace existing wire with more weather-resistant wires, install new utility poles and replace switching equipment.

“There should not be any full road closures,” said Kristina Pappas, a spokeswoman for adding that there will be crews on the streets to direct traffic. The construction is expected to continue through August and will cause minor traffic delays as the utility truck takes up space, she said.

Funding for the project comes from a 2014 Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant, which awarded more than $739 million to the Long Island Power Authority to prevent any future storm damage and restore power quicker in the event of a major storm.

“The money was given to help with bad storms like Sandy, but the funding came after Hurricane Sandy,” Pappas said.

As a result, PSEG has identified 12 streets in Valley Stream that need electrical grid adjustments, including Copiague Street, West Valley Stream Boulevard and Arlington Avenue.

“This is really for the benefit of the residents of Valley Stream,” Pappas said.