Spark Car Wash alters design to improve traffic flow on Montauk Highway

The Planning Board meeting held on May 5, 2025, in West Babylon, Suffolk County, focused on a proposed car wash project that aims to improve site circulation and minimize traffic conflicts. The meeting began with a presentation from the project team, who outlined the changes made to the initial plan based on feedback from previous discussions.

The existing site currently has one ingress-only driveway on the west side and one egress-only driveway on the east side, both leading to Montauk Highway. The original design placed the car wash on the west side, which created potential conflicts between vehicles exiting the wash tunnel and those entering the site. In response to concerns raised by the board, the team revised the plan to relocate the car wash to the east side of the site, allowing vehicles to exit at the northeast corner. This adjustment included shifting the proposed right-in, right-out driveway slightly west along the site’s frontage.

The new design features a one-way counterclockwise circulation pattern throughout the site, which includes a channelizing island to direct vehicles exiting the wash tunnel to make right turns only onto Montauk Highway. This configuration is intended to eliminate conflicts between vehicles entering and exiting the site, particularly at the intersection with Montauk Highway, thereby reducing the risk of traffic disruptions.

The operational flow was also detailed, indicating that vehicles would enter the site by making eastbound right turns from Montauk Highway. Upon entry, customers would be directed to one of ten vacuum spaces before proceeding to the pay stations located at the rear of the site. After payment, vehicles would be metered into the wash tunnel, with all vehicles required to exit the site by making a right turn back onto Montauk Highway.

Additionally, the existing connection to the adjacent AutoZone property will be maintained as a one-way egress lane for the car wash. This lane will not be used for regular exits but will serve customers who decide against using the wash after entering the pay station queue. The design also accommodates garbage trucks and emergency vehicles, allowing them to access the trash enclosure without navigating through the pay station area.

The traffic assessment prepared for the project indicated that the proposed car wash is expected to generate approximately 80 vehicle trips during the weekday evening peak hour and about 40 trips during the Saturday peak hour. The town's traffic engineering consultant and the New York State Department of Transportation reviewed the analysis and agreed that the project would not significantly impact traffic operations on Montauk Highway or at the intersection with Fleets Point Drive.

In conclusion, the revised plan for the car wash project reflects a significant improvement in site circulation and traffic management, addressing the board's concerns while ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding roadway. The board will continue to review the project as it moves forward.