The Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York announced Monday that it had successfully completed parts of the Long Island Rail Road expansion project ahead of schedule and under budget in 2020.
According to a press release from MTA, the MTA Construction and Development contractors were able to eliminate five railroad crossings and other milestones as part of one of the largest transportation infrastructure projects in North America. The project will ultimately add a third track from Floral Park to Hicksville to reduce train congestion and delays.
“The year 2020 was incredibly challenging, but we kept on schedule – and budget – on a huge range of important projects, like the LIRR Expansion Project (Third Track) and the new East End Gateway to Penn Station,” said Janno Lieber, President of MTA Construction & Development. “Key project elements like the railroad crossing eliminations and station enhancements on Third Track are already delivering benefits for Long Islanders. Capped by the opening of the magnificent new Moynihan Train Hall, 2020 demonstrated the results of Governor Cuomo’s determination to transform LIRR customers’ experience.”
Completed projects included the elimination of railroad grade crossings at School Street on the border of Westbury and New Cassel in November, the S. 12th Street railroad crossing in New Hyde Park, two railroad crossings at Willis Avenue in Mineola, and one at New Hyde Park on the Garden City/New Hyde Park border.
“The challenges we faced in 2020 were unlike anything we’ve ever encountered before, but that didn’t stop our incredible workforce from accomplishing several vital safety and reliability service improvements while simultaneously modernizing our system,” said Phil Eng, President of MTA Long Island Rail Road. “I’m thankful for all the men and women of the LIRR and MTA who helped deliver these substantial improvements that are enhancing service every single ride for those that rely on LIRR today and for future generations.”
Other projects completed by MTSC&D in 2020 included replacing low-hanging bridges with ones with new height requirements and Station Enhancements at Lynbrook Station, Murray Hill Station, and Nostrand Avenue Station.
Officials said that when the LIRR Expansion Project is completed in the winter of 2021, eight railroad grade crossings will have been eliminated, seven bridges will have been replaced or expanded, five stations will have been completely rebuilt, 10 miles of a third track will have been installed, and infrastructure such as power substations and interlockings will have been built.