TRAFFIC DELAYS ON TODT HILL ROAD

FILE PHOTO: Parks Department performs traffic safety clean-up on Todt Hill Road, between Ocean Terrace and Flag Place in 2011. (Advance File Photo)

(irving silverstein)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Todt Hill Road, from Circle Road to Ocean Terrace, will be closed on Thursday, July 9, to allow for tree pruning and litter removal during off-peak hours.

City agencies will be closing the section of Todt Hill Road between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for the maintenance. Borough President James Oddo and Councilman Steven Matteo announced the closure in a press release on Wednesday.

Oddo's Clean Team will be out on the road collecting litter in the area.

"Frankly, the amount of litter that has built up on the side of Todt Hill Road is embarrassing and this cleanup must happen," said Oddo in a statement. "In addition, pruning the overgrowth is necessary to help limit damage during future storms. I urge motorists to plan alternate routes between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. tomorrow. While it will be an inconvenience, this work is necessary."

The road needs to be closed to allow the city to operate the heavy machinery used during the pruning process.

"The litter and overgrowth on Todt Hill Road needs to be addressed," said Matteo. "I am glad that my office can partner with Borough Hall and the city agencies to get this done as part of our joint cleanup initiative."