LIRR Third Track Update - January 2019

Construction of key elements of the LIRR Expansion Project (Third Track) are underway in a number of nearby communities, including New Hyde Park and Mineola. Construction work in the Village of Garden City is also approaching. Here is some information from 3rd Track Constructors, which is designing and building the project, that residents will find useful.

Current timeline for major construction in and around the Village of Garden City:

  • March 2019 - May 2020: Merillon Station
  • April 2019 - October 2019: Covert Avenue Crossing (New Hyde Park)
  • June 2019 - September 2019: Nassau Boulevard Bridge
  • October 2019 - July 2020: New Hyde Park Road Crossing
  • August 2020 - December 2021: New Hyde Park Station
  • December 2020 - April 2021: Denton-Tanners Bridge

New Hyde Park Road Grade Crossing

Unlike the other six-grade crossing projects in the LIRR Expansion Project, New Hyde Park Road will remain open during construction. A temporary two-lane road running north-south will be built west of New Hyde Park Road to make this possible. The first stage of this project will be to relocate utilities - including electric, gas, water, and others - that currently run beneath and above ground in the area. Utilities will all be moved west of New Hyde Park Road to allow for a new four-lane underpass beneath the tracks. This utility work will take place at various locations at and near the New Hyde Park Road crossing and will be done by utility companies. Utility work is expected to begin in February 2019 with major construction of the project beginning in October 2019.

Merillon Station

The last major improvements to Merillon Station took place 60 years ago - essentially a new station in a "traditional" aesthetic with considerable landscaping enhancements will be built. Station platforms will be lengthened to accommodate 12 cars instead of the current 10. The station will remain open during construction, which will begin in April 2019 with the demolition and rebuilding of half of the platform on one side. The north LIRR station parking lot will remain open during construction and permit parking spaces along Main Avenue on the south side will remain available and not be significantly impacted. Adjacent to Merillon Station, the Nassau Boulevard Bridge will also remain open, other than short-term closures during the replacement process.

For questions and comments, email the project or call 516-203-4955. Additional information is available.