William Floyd Parkway
The William Floyd Parkway (Suffolk County Route 46) is a major north-south thoroughfare in eastern Long Island, running from Smith Point County Park on the south shore to NY 25A near Wading River on the north shore. Unlike many classic “parkways”, it permits commercial vehicles and serves as a key commuter and beach access route.
Route Description
The parkway begins at a traffic circle with CR 75 in Smith Point County Park on Fire Island and immediately crosses the Great South Bay via the Smith Point Bridge. From there it heads north through Shirley, Yaphank and Ridge, providing major interchanges with NY 27 (Sunrise Highway), I-495 (Long Island Expressway) and NY 25 (Middle Country Road). The northern terminus is at NY 25A near the shores of the Long Island Sound in the Wading River/East Shoreham area.
History
- Originally envisioned as part of a large north-south corridor in eastern Suffolk, the William Floyd Parkway was constructed in segments beginning in the 1950s and 1960s.
- The Smith Point Bridge, a signature crossing of the Great South Bay, opened in 1959 and enabled direct access from Fire Island beaches to the mainland region.
- Over time, the roadway evolved from a mostly rural connector to a vital suburban commuter route, with at-grade intersections in many sections rather than full freeway standards.
Major Intersections & Features
| Location | Road / Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| South terminus | CR 75 (Smith Point County Park circle) | Traffic circle at beach access |
| Shirley | NY 27 (Sunrise Hwy) | Full interchange |
| Yaphank | I-495 (Long Island Expressway) | Major commuter link |
| Ridge | NY 25 (Middle Country Road) | Interchange in central Suffolk |
| North terminus | NY 25A (East Shoreham/Wading River) | North shore destination |
Additional Notes
The William Floyd Parkway traverses a diverse landscape, linking the sandy beaches of Fire Island and the Great South Bay with Suffolk County’s interior and north shore. Its mix of freeway-style interchanges and conventional intersections reflects the region’s transition from lightly developed land to dense suburban growth. Because commercial vehicles are permitted, it differs from many of the region’s classic parkways and serves as an important artery for both commuters and recreational traffic.
Key Facts and Details
| Route designation | Suffolk County Route 46 (CR 46) |
| Approximate length | ~15 miles |
| Southern terminus | Traffic circle at CR 75, Smith Point County Park |
| Northern terminus | NY 25A near East Shoreham/Wading River |
| Commercial vehicles | Permitted |
The William Floyd Parkway remains one of Suffolk County’s most important north–south corridors, linking beach communities, major highways, and rapidly growing residential areas in eastern Long Island. While not a traditional parkway in the classical Robert Moses sense, its mix of coastal access, wooded corridors, and regional connectivity has made it a vital part of Long Island’s transportation network. As development continues and traffic demands evolve, the parkway’s role as both a commuter route and a recreational gateway only becomes more significant.
