A new interchange is being planned for Sunrise Highway in Brookhaven.

The New York Department of Transportation held an open house Thursday to show renderings and answer questions about the proposed construction.

The DOT says it wants to build a new entrance and exit ramps at Barnes Road to reduce traffic congestion during peak hours.

The DOT's proposal also includes creating easier highway access for emergency responders and reducing the existing exit spacing from 3.5 miles to 1.5 miles.

Construction is slated to begin in the spring of 2021.

Some residents say they are concerned that the new interchange will result in more traffic in the area, putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk.

Residents unable to attend the meeting can submit comments by email to r10-rpic@dot.ny.gov, by calling (631) 952-6929, or by writing to the Barnes Road Interchange Project Team, NYSDOT Region 10 at 250 Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge until Oct. 5.