Several stations on the Long Island Rail Road are undergoing “complete reconstruction” and utility relocation is underway across the 9.8-mile third track project despite the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokesperson.
Stations in New Hyde Park, Merillon Avenue, Mineola and Carle Place are being rebuilt, while the Floral Park station is being updated as part of the project to build a third track on the Main Line from Floral Park to Hicksville.
The stations will be “modernized” by the end of the project, set to be completed in 2022, according to the project website, in addition to being altered to make room for the third track. Among the improvements are new platform furnishings such as benches, shelters and signs as well as security cameras, ramps that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, free public Wi-Fi and bike racks.
Utility pole relocation is occurring across the project and is being completed from west to east. It is anticipated this work will be completed in 2022. An MTA spokesperson said “the work is at differing phases in different areas of the project.”
The LIRR expansion website said this could cause intermittent lane closures and power outages but that constructors will coordinate any expected outages with property owners that could be affected. The site said crews are installing new utility poles and once that is done, cables will be relocated from temporary poles.
Work is underway at the Carle Place and Merillon Avenue stations to remove the old platforms and make space for the third track. Passengers are currently using temporary platforms while the stations are renovated. These platforms only fit six cars, but the finished product will fit the usual 12.
Starting Monday, the Carle Road entrance to the Carle Place station was closed to accommodate ongoing construction. The Garden Avenue entrance, which had been closed for the same reason, was reopened at the same time.
In Mineola, a spokesperson said a new station is being constructed in two phases. Crews recently completed the removal of the first portion of the old station and are beginning to install a new foundation that will serve the new one. The project website said two new parking garages are going to be built in the area and drainage will be improved in the area of the station.
At the Floral Park station, crews are installing new elevators to provide better access to elevated platforms.
An underpass is currently being built to allow vehicle traffic on New Hyde Park Road to pass under the tracks near the New Hyde Park station. An MTA spokesperson said this project is “almost complete.”
Construction is occurring on Willis Avenue in Mineola on track grade crossings. No roads are currently closed but “there are some traffic control measures currently in place,” a spokesperson said. It is anticipated Willis Avenue will be closed for some time in November.
Preliminary work on the Westbury station is expected to begin this fall. It will be constructed in two phases to leave a portion of it open to passengers throughout.
