Sunrise Highway (NY-27) on Long Island

Sunrise Highway (NY-27) is one of Long Island’s primary east–west travel corridors. On Long Island, the name generally refers to the NY-27 route beginning near the Queens/Nassau line by the Cross Island Parkway and continuing east through Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Depending on the segment, the corridor functions as a limited-access highway, a divided arterial with service roads, or a more local surface route. It remains a vital commuter and commercial roadway, linking major South Shore communities, shopping districts, beach connections, and eastbound travel toward the Hamptons and the wider East End.

Route and Features

• Long Island western starting point: Near the Queens/Nassau border at the Cross Island Parkway and Belt Parkway connector area
• Eastward reach: Continues across much of Suffolk County toward the South Fork, with route naming and roadway character varying by segment farther east
• Counties served on Long Island: Nassau and Suffolk (NY-27 also continues west into Queens and Brooklyn)
• Character: Faster, more controlled-access travel through many western and central sections; more service roads, signals, and local access points in eastern sections
• Role: Major commuter, commercial, and seasonal travel route for the South Shore and East End
• Restrictions: Unlike most Long Island parkways, trucks and commercial vehicles are generally permitted where posted

Sunrise Highway (NY-27)

Major Connections and Interchanges

Signage, exit numbering, lane patterns, and access arrangements can vary by segment, and eastern portions of the corridor include more surface-road conditions than the western expressway stretches. Check current navigation and traffic conditions before longer trips.

Notable Facts

• Sunrise Highway is widely used as the truck-friendly counterpart to the Southern State Parkway, giving drivers a practical east–west option that accommodates commercial traffic.
• The roadway changes character as you travel east, shifting from higher-speed divided highway segments to stretches with service roads, traffic signals, and more direct local access.
• It is a major route for reaching South Shore downtowns, beach parkways, Fire Island access routes, and the broader NY-27 corridor leading toward the Hamptons and Montauk.
• Many retail centers, auto dealerships, restaurants, and local business districts line the corridor, especially in Nassau County and western Suffolk.
• Travel times often increase sharply on summer Fridays, summer Sundays, holiday weekends, and peak beach days, so leaving early and checking live traffic updates can make a noticeable difference.
• For rail travelers, several LIRR stations sit near the Sunrise Highway corridor, making the route important for station access as well as through-travel.