Nicolls Road (CR-97)
Nicolls Road (County Route 97) is a major north–south arterial in Suffolk County, New York, running about 16 miles from Stony Brook on the North Shore to Blue Point on the South Shore. It is one of central Suffolk’s most important county roads, linking drivers to major east–west routes including NY-25A, NY-25, NY-347, NY-454 (Veterans Memorial Highway), I-495 (Long Island Expressway), NY-27 (Sunrise Highway), and Montauk Highway.
Much of Nicolls Road is a multi-lane divided roadway with grade-separated interchanges at major highways and signalized at-grade intersections elsewhere. Unlike Long Island’s parkways, it is generally open to passenger vehicles, buses, and commercial traffic, subject to posted rules and changing road conditions.
The route is especially important for access to Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook University, central Suffolk neighborhoods, and regional commuter corridors. Traffic can be heavy near the LIE, Sunrise Highway, and university-area approaches, so it is wise to check ahead for construction, incidents, or peak-hour delays before traveling.
Route and Features
- Northern Terminus: NY-25A, Stony Brook / Setauket area (near Stony Brook University)
- Southern Terminus: Montauk Highway (CR-80), Blue Point
- Length: About 16 miles
- County: Suffolk
- Character: Multi-lane divided arterial with a mix of highway interchanges and signalized intersections
- Restrictions: Not a parkway; commercial traffic is generally permitted unless otherwise posted
Major Intersections & Interchanges (north → south)
| Intersection | Destination / Notes |
|---|---|
| NY-25A | Stony Brook / Setauket — northern terminus |
| NY-25 (Jericho Turnpike) | Centereach / Smithtown corridor |
| NY-347 (Nesconset Highway) | Lake Grove / Port Jefferson area |
| NY-454 (Veterans Memorial Highway) | Hauppauge / Long Island MacArthur Airport corridor |
| I-495 (Long Island Expressway, Exit 62) | Major interchange serving central Suffolk County travel |
| Portion Road (CR-16) | Farmingville / Lake Ronkonkoma area |
| NY-27 (Sunrise Highway, Exit 51) | Patchogue / Sayville corridor |
| Montauk Highway (CR-80) | Blue Point — southern terminus |
Vicinity of Nicolls Road
Notable Facts
- Central Suffolk connector: Nicolls Road provides one of the most direct continuous north–south links across this part of Suffolk County.
- Stony Brook access: It is a key commuter route for Stony Brook University, the medical campus, and surrounding communities.
- Airport connection: Drivers can reach Long Island MacArthur Airport via NY-454 and nearby highway connections.
- Heavy traffic periods: Congestion is common near the LIE, Sunrise Highway, and major campus or shopping-area approaches.
- Long-range planning: The corridor has been studied for traffic, access, and transit improvements over the years. Project scopes and timelines can change, so check current county or state transportation updates for the latest details.
