Snowy sidewalks on Long Island still a problem for pedestrians
A Suffolk County spokesperson says residents can report snow removal issues to 311.
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Nearly a week after the snowstorm blanketed Long Island, many sidewalks and bus stops remain buried under snow and ice, forcing pedestrians into dangerous situations.
In Central Islip, residents say unplowed sidewalks have made walking nearly impossible.
Deep snow has pushed some pedestrians off the sidewalks and into the street, where they must dodge traffic just to get where they’re going.
Marian Williams, of Central Islip, said she has no choice but to walk in the roadway because the sidewalks are still impassable.
“It’s not good because the sidewalk has snow in it. It’s not clear. I have to walk on the road,” Williams said.
When asked what that’s like, she didn’t hesitate: “Dangerous! Because I have to look for traffic coming down.”
Crossing the street poses its own hazards. Snow and ice have piled up around crosswalks, making it difficult for pedestrians to reach walk buttons or step safely off the curb. In some areas, snowbanks block access entirely.
Public transportation riders are also feeling the impact. A Suffolk Transit bus stop along Suffolk Avenue was buried under a mound of snow and ice, leaving riders without a safe place to wait.
After the issue was brought to the county’s attention, crews were sent out to dig it out.
In Baldwin, a sidewalk near Baldwin High School remained uncleared until Friday afternoon.
By then, the snow had hardened into ice, making it impossible to remove with shovels alone.
Heavy equipment was required to finally clear the path.
A Suffolk County spokesperson says residents can report snow removal issues to 311.
The MTA was contacted about the Central Islip sidewalk because it’s adjacent to train tracks.
An MTA spokesperson said the Town of Islip is responsible for the sidewalk.
The Town of Islip has not yet commented.
