Construction of the new Smith Point Bridge is moving ahead, with a crane now at work building a construction platform.

Suffolk County legislators say crews are constructing platforms that will extend into the bay from both the north and south sides of the channel. Officials say the platforms will eventually meet, leaving a 100-foot gap in the center to allow water traffic to pass through.

The platforms, along with a barge, will allow crews to begin driving piles into the bay floor. Those pilings will serve as the foundation for the new bridge, with that phase of construction expected to begin by the end of the month.

The new Smith Point Bridge is expected to be completed by 2030.