LIRR Third Track team completes community projects, continues construction as scheduled

Emma Jones
The New Hyde Park LIRR station and parts of New Hyde Park Road have been temporarily shut down until August to prepare for construction on the Third Track Expansion Project. (Photo courtesy of the Long Island Rail Road)

Reconstruction of an underpass connecting the north side of the LIRR Main Line to the Floral Park pool and recreation center, and the restoration of a ball field at the location, are complete, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said Friday.

A similar underpass and ball field revitalization project in Carle Place is finished as well. It is not known, however, when the recreational areas will be open to Floral Park and Carle Place residents for use.

Work on the Long Island Rail Road Third Track Expansion Project is running on schedule, despite the coronavirus pandemic. Under a state executive order, construction of roads, bridges and transit facilities is considered “essential” and can therefore continue during the statewide shutdown.

In May, residents can expect work to continue on LIRR stations, bridges and sound barriers, 3TC, which is carrying out the project, said in an emailed statement on Thursday.

The LIRR will continue to conduct night and weekend work throughout the Main Line corridor, according to a statement on the LIRR Expansion Project website.

Throughout May, the Floral Park community can expect to see continued work on three new elevators at the Floral Park station.

Construction on the Linden Avenue pedestrian underpass is nearly finished, and the Plainfield Avenue Bridge modification project is complete.

Construction crews in New Hyde Park will continue work on the New Hyde Park Road grade crossing elimination project throughout May. New Hyde Park Road is expected to open by Labor Day.

Work on the New Hyde Park station will continue, and commuters can continue to use the temporary 10-car platform that runs along Second and Third Avenues. Work along the railroad right-of-way will likely take place at night and on weekends.

In Garden City and Garden City Park, crews will continue renovations of the Merillon Avenue station. 3TC is using some green spaces adjacent to the station, but will restore the areas following completion of the project, the company said. 

Sound wall construction on the north side of the tracks in Garden City and Garden City Park is nearly complete.

Mineola LIRR station commuters will be able to access temporary platforms and walkways beginning in mid to late May.

Due to preparatory work leading up to the elimination of the Willis Avenue grade crossing, there will be a number of street closures throughout the month. A full list of closures and a detour map can be found at lirrexpansion.com.

Work on the Harrison Avenue parking structure is expected to be finished by the end of the summer. This week crews were to begin work on the east end of the Glen Cove Road Bridge, which is being replaced to support the new third track.

Carle Place residents will see construction continue throughout May on the Meadowbrook Parkway Bridge, which is being modified to support the new third track, although drivers will still be able to use three lanes on both the northbound and southbound sides.

Crews will begin laying the foundation of the north support building of the Carle Place station this month. Work will continue on the Westbury north parking structure, which is scheduled to be completed in spring 2021.

In New Cassel, the stretch of School Street between Railroad Avenue and Union Avenue will close to car traffic on May 18 for approximately six months.

Retaining and sound wall construction as well as utility pole relocation will continue throughout communities affected by the Third Track Project.

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