What started in August as a long-term project to replace a 90-year-old conduit, carrying the Amityville Creek under Merrick Road, has turned into emergency repairs.

The New York State Department of Transportation said engineers found cracking and shifting in the roadway and the conduit was deteriorating, requiring immediate attention.

Now Merrick Road between Broadway and Amityville High School is reduced to one lane, with alternating flows of traffic, directed by flaggers.

Some retailers said it’s affecting their business and causing frustration for people.

“You have people coming from the gym, just trying to come, and down here from the school, like I said, it’s been a nightmare from what I can see,” said David Nobles, an instructor at Takahashi Karate.

Marc Sendik, the owner of High Fidelity Records, said he hasn’t seen any impacts yet.

“There were a couple of people who came in and said, 'Oh my God. What’s going on with all this construction?' ya know, but it’s really minimal. It’s not too bad,” said Sendik.

Alfred Peterman, who lives close to the construction site, said the traffic could get even worse.

“On weekends, we get heavier flow of traffic on Merrick Road regardless before this construction gone on,” said Peterman.

“The fact that Columbus Day is on Monday is probably a little helpful. Although, with the nor'easter coming in, that’s not helpful," said Michael O’Neill, mayor of the village of Amityville.

“I would avoid the area, and once we get back to an eastbound and a westbound lane traffic, I think we’ll be back to our new normal,” added O’Neill.

DOT officials said the safety of the traveling public is their top priority. The new traffic pattern will remain until further notice.

Dr. Gina Talbert, superintendent of schools, Amityville Union Free School District, said in a statement: "We’re working closely with the Village, families, and staff to ensure students can get to and from the high school as smoothly as possible during the construction on Merrick Road. We appreciate the community’s support as we navigate these transportation adjustments.”

Rich Causin, the Long Island regional director of NYSDOT released the following statement:

"The New York State Department of Transportation understands the importance of Merrick Road (State Route 27A) to the Village of Amityville and we are expediting efforts to restore two-way traffic to this roadway. After conducting further inspections of the Amityville Creek culvert that determined it was structurally sound, NYSDOT crews have begun work to reinforce the structure, including the installation of additional piping and stone fill.

In anticipation of this weekend’s forecasted weather event, water pumps will also be installed to control any additional water flow from the storm. Crews will also resurface the roadway over the culvert.

To facilitate this work, both directions of Merrick Road (State Route 27A) will be closed in both directions in the vicinity of the culvert beginning on Friday, October 10, at 6 p.m. Motorists should be prepared for the following traffic restrictions this weekend:

NYSDOT expects to have this work completed and Merrick Road fully re-opened by Tuesday, if not sooner. However, construction activities could be impacted by this weekend’s weather. NYSDOT appreciates the public’s patience as we undertake this work and we will keep the community apprised of further developments."