LIRR releases environmental impact statement for third track project

11/29/2016    

Rail News: Passenger Rail

MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) has released a draft environmental impact statement for its $2 billion Main Line expansion project, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced yesterday.

The document shows that the project will improve service reliability for the railroad and improve safety and quality of life for residents living in the project area in Naussau County, N.Y., according to a press release issued by Cuomo's office.

The project calls for adding a third track along 9.8 miles of LIRR's congested Main Line between Floral Park and Hicksville, N.Y. Crews also will eliminate seven grade crossings and build sound walls as part of the project.

The expansion won't require any residential property acquisitions.

"Expanding the Main Line is crucial to the future of Long Island and its residents," Cuomo said. "By increasing capacity on one of the LIRR’s busiest corridors and eliminating all street-level grade crossings, this project will result in less traffic, less congestion and a transportation network that meets the needs of current and future generations of Long Islanders."

Funding for the project will come from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and other New York state sources, according to the environmental document.

LIRR will accept comments on the document through Jan. 31, 2017.

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