New York: On 15 August, Governor Kathy Hochul joined leaders of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) at a ceremonial opening of the first section of the Long Island Rail Road’s (LIRR) new Main Line third track.
During a ceremonial journey, officials rode on a three-mile stretch of track between Floral Park and Merillon Avenue, disembarking at the upgraded New Hyde Park Station.
This third track will reduce train congestion and delays to create a more reliable rail network in New York.
“The opening of the Third Track marks a huge milestone for commuters and visitors that is decades in the making. Thanks to this extraordinary project, LIRR trains will run more often, and passengers will have a smoother ride than ever. Our partners at the MTA and the hard-working women and men of organised labour delivered an on-time, under budget project — and that's something worth celebrating.”
The LIRR Main Line Expansion Project is part of a 17.7 billion USD investment in 100 projects that will transform and modernise the Long Island Rail Road.
Major construction on the third track began in 2018 and will be fully operational later this year.
Alongside the opening of Grand Central Madison station, the LIRR’s third track will allow more services to run on the mainline. At New Hyde Park for example service will increase by 67 percent.
“Long Island leaders have talked for generations about adding a Third Track and finally it's here. The MTA is investing billions in Long Island and the results are clear: more frequent service and greater reliability, along with strengthened reverse commuting service to give Long Island businesses access to a much bigger labour pool.”
The LIRR Main Line Expansion Project is on schedule and will be completed 100 million USD below budget.
