The state Department of Transportation and hundreds of residents converged Wednesday at Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School to discuss possible solutions to ease congestion at the Oakdale merge.

One person at the meeting called the spot where Montauk Highway and Sunrise Highway meet a "death trap."

The DOT is trying to alleviate congestion problems that are believed to have caused multiple collisions. Residents have complained about the merge for decades.

One proposed idea is to redesign the highway to run through Connetquot River State Park.

Some people are in favor of the idea, while others worry about overdeveloping the area and the cut-through's impact on the park.

Other ideas include adding bridges or increasing the number of lanes.

The DOT says it will consider all suggestions and comments before making any decisions.