Parts of Covert Ave. closed for third track work set to reopen Oct. 12: MTA

Tom McCarthy
Construction occurring on Covert Avenue in New Hyde Park to replace a crossing grade in 2019. (Photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority)

The reopening of Covert Avenue between 1st and 5th avenues in New Hyde Park is set for Oct. 12, according to the MTA.

Meredith Daniels, an MTA spokeswoman, said that the Long Island Rail Road is “finalizing the plans,” but the opening is officially set for Oct. 12.

In April, a section of Covert Avenue between 1st and 5th avenues was closed for approximately six months to accommodate a grade crossing elimination.

By August, the LIRR successfully erected a 1,200-ton bridge at Covert Avenue, replacing the grade crossing.

Following additional work in and around the area, when Covert Avenue reopens there will be a two-lane, grade-separated underpass with a pedestrian sidewalk on the east side of the underpass.

The Covert Avenue project was the fourth bridge installation done for the third track project this summer. The project is adding a third track on the 9.8-mile stretch of the Main Line between Floral Park and Hicksville.

According to the LIRR, the Covert Avenue grade crossing has long been a safety risk to drivers, pedestrians and LIRR customers and has contributed to noise and air pollution and caused lengthy commutes for drivers and LIRR customers.

Mayor Lawrence Montreuil did not respond to requests for comment.

Members of the third track expansion team attended a New Hyde Park Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 19 to discuss traffic mitigation tactics both parties have been trying on South 12th Street, including speed bumps, signs and preventing left hand turns at 2nd and 3rd avenues.

“I saw the increase in traffic the second we closed Covert,” Montreuil said.

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