Suffolk Reporter

Patchogue, NY – The Brookhaven Highway Department has announced the receipt of a $910,000 New York State grant to replace the culvert that carries water from Swan River beneath the Barton Avenue overpass in East Patchogue.

The culvert replacement is among 216 projects in 137 communities statewide receiving a total of $484 million from the BRIDGE-NY infrastructure improvement program.

Constructed in 1961, the existing culvert, which carries the Swan River Stream corridor, is currently undersized and has diminishing structural integrity. The upgrade will reduce the likelihood of flooding and related complications for the immediate area, according to Brookhaven Highway Superintendent Daniel Losquadro.

“The Brookhaven Highway Department is the only municipality on Long Island to receive grant funding this year from this source,” said Losquadro. “This project will improve roadway safety and flood resilience of the surrounding residential and natural environment for many years to come.”

The scope of this project includes replacing two 24-inch corrugated metal pipes with a box culvert; adding two water quality units; installing rip rap headwalls on upstream and downstream flow; replacing obstructed positive connections; and restoring the sidewalk and roadway. Work is scheduled to begin and be completed in 2026.

“My office has been, and will continue to be, aggressive in pursuing grant funding to offset taxpayer costs for necessary projects such as this one,” Losquadro said.