A deal has nearly been reached to build a temporary road providing much-needed access to seven homes in Head of the Harbor. The homes were left stranded after Mill Creek Road partially collapsed in a strong storm last month.

The new road would connect the homes to Emmett Drive. Before construction can begin, all homeowners whose properties would be affected must sign off on the project.

The Town of Smithtown Highway Department is ready to begin work as soon as Tuesday morning, village officials say. The road would take three to five days to complete.

Work to build the new road comes as an evacuation order remains in place for the seven homes because they cannot be accessed by emergency vehicles.