Queens drivers are being warned of two significant overnight ramp closures now in effect on the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and Grand Central Parkway, as part of a $14.8 million state project to improve traffic safety and mobility at one of Queens’ busiest interchanges.
The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) began implementing full closures on Monday, May 5, and the work will continue through Friday, May 30, each morning between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m., weather permitting.
The affected areas include:
- Exit 10E from eastbound Grand Central Parkway to eastbound Long Island Expressway in Forest Hills
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Exit 22A from eastbound Long Island Expressway to eastbound Grand Central Parkway in Fresh Meadows
NYS DOT
There will be no closures over Memorial Day weekend, from Thursday night, May 23, through Sunday night, May 26.
Detours will be clearly marked. During Exit 22A ramp closures, drivers are advised to continue eastbound on the LIE and take Exit 22B to access the Grand Central Parkway. For Exit 10E ramp closures, drivers should take Exit 10W to I-495 West and follow posted detour signs to reconnect to the eastbound expressway.
The ramp work is part of a broader infrastructure upgrade to enhance safety and reduce congestion in the heavily trafficked area.
Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously through work zones, where fines for speeding are doubled. Repeat speeding violations in these zones could result in a suspended driver’s license.
Real-time traffic updates are available at 511NY.org, via the 511NY mobile app, or by calling 5-1-1. Updates are also shared on X (formerly Twitter) @NYSDOT and @NYSDOT_NYC, and on Facebook at facebook.com/NYSDOT.
