Filming closes part of Wantagh Parkway

Blame it on television. Or, at least, a television commercial.

The northbound lanes of Wantagh Parkway have been closed Thursday between Ocean Parkway and Merrick Road - and the southbound road has been closed for 10-minute intervals - so a crew can film a commercial, state police and officials said.

The road was first closed at 6 a.m. Police said they believed that section of parkway would remain affected until 6 p.m.

The entrance ramp to the parkway is closed at Merrick Road and the connection to the parkway is closed where it meets the Ocean Parkway near the Jones Beach traffic circle.

The New York State Department of Transportation and the State Parks Department issued the permits for the closure for the filming of a Xerox / Michelin ad. The shoot was originally set for Friday, but was changed to Thursday, officials said.

An Internet posting from a casting company said the shoot would pay $3,000 for an actress and was seeking "1 Woman mid 30s. Ethnicity: Indian. Fit, attractive, good energy."

Specifics of the advertisement were not available.

According to the permit the crew was allowed to close the northbound road all day, while the southbound road would be affected by intermittent closures - although emergency vehicles are to be allowed full access.