A Ride Along to Understand the New CR-39 traffic pattern Southampton

If you live or work in Southampton, you do not need a traffic report to tell you what is happening on CR-39 traffic pattern Southampton. You already feel it in your soul. Nurses, landscapers, teachers, restaurant staff, business owners, shoppers on a bagel run, and weekend warriors heading to the beach — we are all in one giant rolling therapy session every morning and afternoon.

So when something changes on CR-39 Southampton, even slightly, people have feelings. Big feelings.

And as a very wise woman once said, “Slow down and live.”
It is advice that applies to the roads and honestly to life itself.

To help sort out what is happening with the CR-39 traffic pattern Southampton, I hopped in the car with Charlie McArdle, Superintendent of Highways for the Town of Southampton and Co-Chair of the Traffic Mitigation Committee. This is not a press conference. This is literally me holding a camera, stuck in traffic with everyone else, asking the questions you have been shouting at your windshield. Let’s ride.

What Changed?

Approaching Sandy Hollow Road, the most noticeable update is that CR-39 temporarily narrows to one lane westbound, before expanding again near McGee Street. If your first reaction is “Wait… didn’t we fight for TWO lanes?” welcome to the club.

Charlie explains it simply:

“We reduced two lanes down to one for a little over a half mile so the traffic exiting Sandy Hollow can keep moving. Before this change, both intersections worked against each other and the whole stretch crawled.”

Instead of two traffic lights competing for attention, they are finally cooperating. It is progress, even if it feels weird.

The Town has synchronized signals so the main flow clears multiple cycles at a time. Drivers going north and south still get their turn; just a slightly longer wait, so the highway keeps pushing forward.

The idea is to keep you on the highway instead of detouring through neighborhoods. Yes, Charlie called out the cemetery cut-through. Yes, he looked directly at me when he said it. I remain silent on legal advice.

So Why Now?

This is version 2.0 of a pilot program tested in the spring. That earlier version made the trip from CR-39 to the Lobster Inn just seven minutes. People loved the speed. The manpower demands, not so much.

This version is the same concept with less staffing and fewer blinking lights.

“If drivers merge early and stop being aggressive, this should be smooth,” Charlie says with confidence.

Key phrase: merge early.
Not merge at the cone like you’re auditioning for Fast & Furious: Hamptons Drift.

Safety Got an Upgrade

Before now, police had nowhere safe to pull anyone over. Speeders and “creative lane interpreters” had a field day. Enforcement created danger.

Now, officers have a shoulder — and that means safer accountability for everyone on the road.

Not glamorous. Definitely necessary.

Is Traffic Really Year-Round?

Charlie says yes. Strongly.

“There is no off-season anymore. The workforce keeps these roads full all year.”

Contractors, tradespeople, deliveries, house maintenance – The Trade Parade has become a permanent institution.

I agree with him partially. The Trade Parade has always been brutal. But summer absolutely adds its own special brand of chaos. We agreed to disagree respectfully, which is refreshing these days.

The Housing Conversation

I made the point that if workers could live closer to their jobs, we would see fewer vehicles clogging CR-39. That is just common sense.

Charlie countered that affordable housing lotteries sometimes bring new residents into town rather than supporting those who already live and work here.

I countered back with examples of recent Housing Authority lotteries where local residents did win. Housing is complex. But one thing remains true:

Traffic is a housing issue too.
Communities cannot function when the workforce is forced to commute long distances just to afford rent.

Is This Permanent?

Right now, this plan is a modified pilot:

• Monday through Friday
• Afternoon commute (approximately 3:30 pm to 7 pm)
• Being closely monitored
• Open to adjustments
• Feedback encouraged

Concerns can be submitted to the Traffic Mitigation Committee, which includes members of Town leadership, Suffolk County DOT, police, fire, and EMS officials.

email: Task Force: mailto: traffic@southamptontownny.gov

If something is not working for you, speak up. They are listening.

What Drivers Should Know

• Do not wait until the last ten feet to merge
• Do not block driveways or side-street exits
• Stay off the cemetery paths (you know who you are)
• Give yourself a little extra time while everyone learns the new flow

If you see a red light ahead but clear road in front of you, that is good. That means the synchronized system is doing its job.

Final Word

Road improvements do not happen by magic. Planning takes time. Adjustments take patience. Community input takes honesty. And sometimes, the solution feels uncomfortable before it feels better.

The traffic will never fully disappear. This is the Hamptons. But if these changes keep more cars on the highway, reduce dangerous merges, and ease pressure on our side streets, then we are moving in the right direction.

And once again, in the words of a wise woman:

Slow down and live.

Let’s all try that –on the road and off it.

Have you tried the new CR-39 pattern yet? Drop your thoughts on my social media . I will be sharing community feedback directly with Charlie and the Traffic Mitigation Committee.

Real Talk. Real Roads. Real People.
Only here on Hamptons Mouthpiece.