A long-discussed roundabout at the intersection of Stephen Hand’s Path, Long Lane, and Two Holes of Water Road in East Hampton has begun operating, despite the continuation of work on the inside part of the circle.
First contemplated in the midst of the Covid pandemic, pushed by then-Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc, and originally slated for completion last summer, the circle hasn’t been wholeheartedly embraced.
Some have voiced concern that it would destroy the agricultural vistas of the area, while others see it as creeping suburbanization of the town. At a public hearing on the project, David Buda, a Springs resident, complained that spending $1.5 million on the improvement was too much when stop signs hadn’t first been tried.
Nonetheless, the town board acted.
“This project represents a thoughtful investment in long-term public safety,” Councilman David Lys said in a press release. “By improving one of our most heavily traveled intersections, we’re making East Hampton safer and more accessible for everyone, whether you’re commuting, running errands, or simply enjoying our town.”
The circle, more an oval, will be able to handle a 46-foot tractor-trailer, and its middle will be planted with nondescript shrubbery. A bioswale on the northeast corner and drainage inlets that will connect to the recently installed drainage project along Stephen Hand’s Path are largely complete.
Temporary road closures and detours will continue until construction is finished.
“The goal is to have the majority of work completed before Memorial Day weekend, in time for the start of the summer season,” the release said.
