By Naeisha Rose
Gov. Andrew Cuomo is on a hot streak when it comes to transportation projects. Last year he oversaw the completion of the first stage of the 2nd Avenue subway line, which was 96 years in the making. He also announced the construction to rebuild LaGuardia airport. On April 12, he released the final Environmental Impact Statement for the LIRR Expansion Project.
This proposal will add a third track from Floral Park to Hicksville that stretches for 9.8 miles on the railroad’s Main Line route through Nassau County. Unlike previous proposals, this one will not confiscate residential property, it eliminates street-level grade crossings and includes sound barrier walls for noise reduction, the MTA said.
The construction for the project will follow some of the “strictest environmental standards in the nation,” interim MTA Director Veronique Hakim said.
Before the final statement was made, the governor’s office made sure to reach out to constituents in 12 public meetings in Hicksville, Westbury, New Hyde Park and Hempstead to receive input from residents, according to amode
Once completed, the new track, which will be on the Main Line that was built in the mid-19th century, according the MTA, should enhance service, safety and reliability for all commuters. The project would decrease traffic congestion with less “idling” at crossings, and result in fewertraffic jams, reducing air pollution.
“Expanding the Main Line is crucial to the future success of Long Island businesses and its residents, and this environmental study brings us one step closer to fulfilling New York’s goal of providing reliable, safe travel for all,” Cuomo said.
Reach reporter Naeisha Rose by e-mail at nrose
