Hempstead Turnpike — Accident History & Road Conditions

Traffic conditions, accident reports, and safety information for Hempstead Turnpike in Nassau County — one of Long Island's busiest commercial arterials running from Queens to Farmingdale.

Length 20 mi
Speed Limit 30-40 mph
Avg Daily Traffic 45,000
Counties Nassau

Route Overview

From
Queens border (Elmont)
To
Farmingdale
Also Known As
Hempstead Tpke, County Route 3

Overview

Hempstead Turnpike is Nassau County’s primary east-west commercial arterial in the southern portion of the county, running 20 miles from the Nassau/Queens border in Elmont east to Farmingdale. Carrying approximately 45,000 vehicles per day, it is one of the most heavily used surface roads in Nassau County, passing through a succession of dense suburban communities including Elmont, Franklin Square, West Hempstead, Hempstead, East Meadow, Levittown, and Farmingdale.

The road’s history begins in the 17th century when it served as the primary overland route from Jamaica, Queens to the Town of Hempstead — one of Long Island’s founding communities, established by English settlers in 1644. By the 19th century it had been formalized as a turnpike (toll road), and its commercial function has only intensified since. Today Hempstead Turnpike is lined almost continuously with commercial development — strip malls, fast food restaurants, auto dealerships, and big-box retailers — generating the high volumes of turning and pedestrian traffic that make it one of the county’s most crash-prone corridors.

The road passes near two of Long Island’s most significant major venues: Belmont Park, one of thoroughbred racing’s most historic tracks and home of the Belmont Stakes, is adjacent to the Elmont/Floral Park area of the turnpike. UBS Arena, the state-of-the-art arena built in 2021 as home of the New York Islanders NHL franchise, is located at the Elmont campus. Major events at either venue — Belmont Stakes weekends, Islanders playoff games, major concerts — create severe traffic conditions on Hempstead Turnpike and surrounding roads.

The corridor passes through the Town of Hempstead, which despite being the most populous township in New York State is often noted for the fragmented nature of its local governance across dozens of incorporated and unincorporated communities. This governance complexity has historically complicated coordinated transportation planning along the Hempstead Turnpike corridor.

Dangerous Sections

Elmont (near Queens border): The western end of Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont handles traffic from the Belt Parkway connection and the dense residential neighborhoods of this Nassau County community. Pedestrian activity is high, signal spacing is close, and the volume of turning movements creates constant rear-end crash risk.

Franklin Square commercial corridor: Franklin Square’s retail concentration along Hempstead Turnpike generates one of the highest driveway cut densities on the corridor. Multiple closely spaced driveway entrances and exits create continuous weaving conflicts.

Levittown / East Meadow: The mid-section of Hempstead Turnpike through Levittown and East Meadow runs through dense residential neighborhoods while maintaining 40–45 mph speeds. The mismatch between design speed and the surrounding land use — schools, parks, residential blocks — creates ongoing pedestrian and bicyclist safety problems.

Towns Along This Route

Current Conditions

Check back for real-time conditions.

Recent Incidents

No recent incidents to display.

Accident Statistics

Hempstead Turnpike is consistently one of Nassau County’s highest-crash roads in total annual crashes. Pedestrian and bicycle crashes are overrepresented relative to the corridor’s volume, reflecting the pedestrian safety deficit on this high-speed commercial arterial. Nassau County has identified multiple sections of Hempstead Turnpike in its High Injury Network for targeted safety investment.

Current Conditions 48 active

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 eastbound between Hendrickson Avenue (Hempstead) and Uniondale Avenue (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed until 6:00 A.M.

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION westbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 westbound between Meadowbrook State Parkway (Hempstead) and Oak Street (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 3 lanes closed until 6:00 A.M.

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION westbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 westbound between Oak Street (Hempstead) and Clinton Street (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed until 6:00 A.M.

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION both directions

Overnight roadwork on NY 24

Overnight roadwork on NY 24 both directions between Elmont Road (Hempstead) and Broadhollow Road; NY 110 (Babylon), Monday April 27th, 2026 thru Tuesday April 28th, 2026, 10:00 PM thru 05:30 AM 1 Left lane of 2 lanes closed

No Data

CONSTRUCTION both directions

Roadwork, Traffic signal repairs on NY 24

Roadwork and traffic signal repairs on NY 24 both directions between Munson Ave (Hempstead) and North Franklin Street (Hempstead), Monday April 27th, 2026 thru Tuesday April 28th, 2026, Monday/Tuesday, 10:00 AM thru 03:00 PM 1 Left lane of 2 lanes closed

No Data

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Roadwork, Traffic signal repairs on NY 24

Roadwork and traffic signal repairs on NY 24 eastbound at Front Street (Hempstead), Monday April 27th, 2026 thru Friday May 1st, 2026, Monday thru Friday, 10:00 AM thru 03:00 PM 1 Left lane of 3 lanes closed

No Data

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork on NY 24 eastbound between Merrick Avenue (Hempstead) and Front Street (Hempstead), Monday April 27th, 2026 thru Friday May 1st, 2026, Monday thru Friday, 10:00 AM thru 03:00 PM 1 Right lane of 4 lanes closed

No Data

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 eastbound between California Avenue (Hempstead) and Meadowbrook State Parkway (Hempstead) 2 Left lanes of 3 lanes closed until 6:00 A.M.

2 Left lanes closed

CONSTRUCTION both directions

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 both directions at Fulton Avenue; Front Street; NY 102 (Hempstead) right shoulder blocked until 2:00 P.M.

right shoulder blocked

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 both directions between Duncan Road (Hempstead) and Meadowbrook State Parkway (Hempstead) 1 Left lane of 2 lanes closed eastbound; All lanes westbound until 5am

1 Left lane closed

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 eastbound area of Cherry Valley Avenue (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed Until 3 PM

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION westbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 westbound between Meadowbrook State Parkway (Hempstead) and Gilroy Avenue (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 3 lanes closed until further notice

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 eastbound at Oak Street (Hempstead) 2 Right lanes of 3 lanes closed until further notice

2 Right lanes closed

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 eastbound between Duncan Road (Hempstead) and Meadowbrook State Parkway (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed until 6:00 A.M.

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION westbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 westbound at Jerusalem ave (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 3 lanes closed Until 3 PM

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Traffic signal repairs, Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork and traffic signal repairs on NY 24 eastbound at Front Street (Hempstead), Monday April 20th, 2026 thru Friday April 24th, 2026, Monday thru Friday, 10:00 AM thru 03:00 PM 1 Right lane of 3 lanes closed

No Data

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Milling, Repaving, Traffic signal repairs, Overnight roadwork on NY 24

Milling and overnight roadwork and repaving and traffic signal repairs on NY 24 eastbound between Hendrickson Avenue (Hempstead) and Meadowbrook State Parkway (Hempstead), Monday April 20th, 2026 thru Friday April 24th, 2026, Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday, 10:00 PM thru 06:00 AM 1 Right lane of

No Data

CONSTRUCTION both directions

Repaving, Milling, Traffic signal repairs, Roadwork on NY 24

Milling and repaving and roadwork and traffic signal repairs on NY 24 both directions between Munson Ave (Hempstead) and North Franklin Street (Hempstead), Monday April 20th, 2026 thru Friday April 24th, 2026, Monday thru Friday, 10:00 AM thru 03:00 PM 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed

No Data

CONSTRUCTION westbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork on NY 24 westbound between Meadowbrook State Parkway (Hempstead) and Gilroy Avenue (Hempstead) 1 Left lane of 3 lanes closed until 6am

1 Left lane closed

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 eastbound between Gilroy Avenue (Hempstead) and Meadowbrook State Parkway (Hempstead) 2 Left lanes of 3 lanes closed until further notice

2 Left lanes closed

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 eastbound between Meadowbrook State Parkway (Hempstead) 1 Left lane of 3 lanes closed until 6am work is from Duncan Road to Meadowbrook State Parkway

1 Left lane closed

CONSTRUCTION westbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 westbound at Gardiners Avenue (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 3 lanes closed until 3:00 P.M.

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork on NY 24 eastbound between Duncan Road (Hempstead) and Meadowbrook State Parkway (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed until 6:00 A.M.

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION westbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 westbound at Gardiners Avenue (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 3 lanes closed until 3:00 P.M.

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION westbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 westbound at Marlborough Road (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed until 3:00 P.M.

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION westbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 westbound at Gardiners Avenue (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 3 lanes closed until 3:00 P.M.

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION westbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 westbound between Cherry Valley Avenue (Hempstead) and South Greenway Street (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed until 3:00 P.M.

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Overnight roadwork, Milling on NY 24

Milling and overnight roadwork on NY 24 eastbound between Hendrickson Avenue (Hempstead) and Meadowbrook State Parkway (Hempstead), Monday April 13th, 2026 thru Friday April 17th, 2026, Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday, 10:00 PM thru 06:00 AM 1 Left lane of 2 lanes closed

No Data

CONSTRUCTION both directions

Roadwork, Milling on NY 24

Milling and roadwork on NY 24 both directions between Munson Ave (Hempstead) and N FRANKLIN ST (Hempstead), Monday April 13th, 2026 thru Friday April 17th, 2026, Monday thru Friday, 10:00 AM thru 03:00 PM 1 Left lane of 2 lanes closed

No Data

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Roadwork, Traffic signal repairs on NY 24

Roadwork and traffic signal repairs on NY 24 eastbound at Front Street (Hempstead), Monday April 13th, 2026 thru Friday April 17th, 2026, Monday thru Friday, 10:00 AM thru 03:00 PM 1 Left lane of 3 lanes closed

No Data

CONSTRUCTION westbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 westbound between Fulton Avenue; Front Street; NY 102 (Hempstead) and Cherry Valley Avenue (Hempstead) 1 Left lane of 2 lanes closed Until 3PM

1 Left lane closed

CONSTRUCTION westbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 westbound between High Street (Hempstead) and Fulton Avenue; Front Street; NY 102 (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed Until 3 PM

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION westbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 westbound at Locustwood Boulevard (Hempstead) 2 Right lanes of 3 lanes closed until 4:00 A.M.

2 Right lanes closed

CONSTRUCTION westbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 westbound between High Street (Hempstead) and Cherry Valley Avenue (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed until 3:00 P.M.

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Drainage improvements on NY 24

Drainage improvements on NY 24 eastbound between Hendrickson Avenue (Hempstead) and Meadowbrook State Parkway (Hempstead), Monday April 6th, 2026 thru Saturday April 11th, 2026, Monday thru Friday, 10:00 PM thru 06:00 AM 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed

No Data

CONSTRUCTION both directions

Drainage improvements on NY 24

Drainage improvements on NY 24 both directions between Munson Ave (Hempstead) and North Franklin Street (Hempstead), Monday April 6th, 2026 thru Friday April 10th, 2026, Monday thru Friday, 10:00 AM thru 03:00 PM 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed

No Data

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 eastbound between Morton Avenue (Hempstead) and High Street (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed until 3 PM

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION westbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 westbound at Wellington Road South (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed Until 3 PM

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION westbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 westbound at Wellington Road South (Hempstead) 1 Left lane of 2 lanes closed Until 3 PM

1 Left lane closed

CONSTRUCTION both directions

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 both directions between Spruce Street (Hempstead) and High Street (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed until 3:00 P.M.

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION westbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork on NY 24 westbound between Wantagh State Parkway (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 3 lanes closed Until 3 PM

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork on NY 24 eastbound between Garden City Boulevard (Hempstead) and Front Street (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed Until 3 PM

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 eastbound between Garden City Boulevard (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed Until 3:00 P.M.

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 eastbound between Garden City Boulevard (Hempstead) and Front Street (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed until 3:00 P.M.

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION both directions

Roadwork, Drainage improvements on NY 24

Drainage improvements and roadwork on NY 24 both directions between Munson Ave (Hempstead) and North Franklin Street (Hempstead), Monday March 30th, 2026 thru Friday April 3rd, 2026, Monday thru Friday, 10:00 AM thru 03:00 PM 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed

No Data

CONSTRUCTION eastbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 eastbound between Nassau Boulevard (Hempstead) and Garden City Boulevard (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 2 lanes closed until 3:00 P.M.

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION westbound

Roadwork on NY 24

Roadwork, roadwork on NY 24 westbound between Meadowbrook State Parkway (Hempstead) and Earle Ovingoton Drive (Hempstead) 1 Right lane of 3 lanes closed Until 3 PM

1 Right lane closed

CONSTRUCTION both directions

Roadwork, Drainage improvements on NY 24

Drainage improvements and roadwork on NY 24 both directions between Hendrickson Avenue (Hempstead) and Meadowbrook State Parkway (Hempstead), Monday March 23rd, 2026 thru Friday March 27th, 2026, Monday thru Friday, 10:00 AM thru 03:00 PM 1 Left lane of 2 lanes closed

No Data

Data from 511NY, updated May 6, 8:01 AM

Recent Incidents

No reported incidents on this road yet. See all Long Island accidents.

Accident Statistics

No accident data yet for this road.

Towns Along This Route

Safety Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How many accidents happen on Hempstead Turnpike each year?

Hempstead Turnpike records approximately 1,200–1,600 crashes annually across its 20-mile Nassau County length. It consistently ranks among the most crash-prone roads in Nassau County, with the Elmont and Franklin Square sections near the Queens border having the highest crash density. Pedestrian fatalities are an ongoing concern along the entire corridor.

What are the most dangerous intersections on Hempstead Turnpike?

The most dangerous intersections on Hempstead Turnpike include the crossing with Dutch Broadway in Elmont, the intersection with Franklin Avenue in Franklin Square, the Route 24 / Hempstead Avenue crossing in Garden City/Hempstead, and the Wantagh Avenue intersection in Levittown. Pedestrian crashes are elevated at nearly every major intersection due to inadequate crossing infrastructure on this 45 mph corridor.

Is Hempstead Turnpike dangerous for pedestrians?

Yes. Hempstead Turnpike has one of the worst pedestrian safety records in Nassau County. The road is a high-speed divided arterial (40–45 mph) with wide lanes designed for car traffic, but it passes through dense residential areas with populations — including children, elderly residents, and non-drivers — who must cross it on foot. Many blocks have no marked crosswalks, and signal timing often does not accommodate pedestrian crossing times. Nassau County has undertaken periodic safety improvement programs on the corridor, but pedestrian fatalities remain a persistent problem.

Why is it called Hempstead Turnpike?

Hempstead Turnpike was historically the main road connecting Jamaica, Queens to the Town of Hempstead — one of Long Island's oldest and most significant colonial communities. Like Jericho Turnpike, it was operated as a toll road (turnpike) in the 19th century before becoming a public highway. The Town of Hempstead, established in 1644, is the largest township in New York State.

Does Hempstead Turnpike connect to UBS Arena or Belmont Park?

Yes. Hempstead Turnpike passes near both UBS Arena (home of the New York Islanders NHL team) and Belmont Park (site of the Belmont Stakes, one of Triple Crown horse racing's three races). Both venues generate significant traffic events that impact the turnpike corridor, particularly during major Belmont Stakes weekends in June and during Islanders playoff runs.