The Long Island Expressway has reopened between exits 50 and 51 following an accident that seriously injured a motorcyclist early Friday, police say.

Police say Leon Bassene was riding his motorcycle westbound on the LIE when he failed to slow for traffic and struck the rear of a Nissan around 6:20 a.m.

Bassene, 41, of Brentwood, was transported to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore for treatment of serious injuries.

The driver of the Nissan, 39-year-old Cristian Hernandez, of Central Islip, was alone in the vehicle and not injured.

Police ask anyone with information to call the Second Squad at 631-854-8252.