The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) in the US is all set to begin construction on Jones Beach Shared Use Path in order to improve cyclist and pedestrian access to Long Island.

The new $3.5m project also complements the additional infrastructure work being carried out with an investment of more than $25m on roadways around Jones Beach to enhance traffic safety on Long Island.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said: “Jones Beach is one of New York’s most beloved state parks and this new path will connect runners, walkers and cyclists to miles of recreation and white sand on the Atlantic Ocean.

“Through historic investments in our infrastructure, New York is not only modernising roads, bridges, rail systems and airports, but improving recreational trails to help make Jones Beach and other natural treasures more accessible for everyone.”

“Governor Cuomo knows that transportation supports mobility and local economic growth and that’s exactly what these continued investments made at Jones Beach are doing.”

On Long Island’s South Shore, the new path will be linked to the Ocean Parkway Greenway Shared Use Path near the East Bathhouse in Jones Beach.

On the west end of the shore, it will connect to the Greenway through the eastbound section of the Bay Parkway and the Jones Beach Boardwalk.

Traffic control signage and lighting will also be installed along the 4.5-mile-long paved path, which is scheduled for completion by 2019.

It is being built under a contract with the NYSDOT in cooperation with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Paul Karas said: “Governor Cuomo knows that transportation supports mobility and local economic growth and that’s exactly what these continued investments made at Jones Beach are doing.”