Project Overview

Residents and commuters along the Main Line corridor have long sought a mass transit solution to reduce road congestion, improve safety and provide an appealing alternative to driving – all with minimal disruption to existing train services and without residential property takings.

The construction of a third track from Floral Park to Hicksville will reduce train congestion and delays and enable true bi-directional service during peak hours with a more reliable rail network. This transformative work includes several related projects, including the construction of up to five parking garages, retaining walls, improvements to rail bridges and the removal of seven street-level grade crossings.

Construction will be handled in a way to minimize the impact on daily routines, with extensive mitigation and public outreach efforts being planned in conjunction with local communities.

Construction Updates

Beginning in January 2018, the contractors will complete design, surveying, mobilization, utility relocations, and other early construction activities. Ongoing community outreach efforts will also be included in this phase, such as developing clear communications protocols, opening a public information office, continuing coordination with local elected officials, and soliciting input on the aesthetics of components such as stations and sound walls. Substantial construction is expected to begin in late 2018. The overall project is expected to be completed by late 2022.

In September 2018, Governor Cuomo led ground breaking efforts for the expansion project at Urban Avenue in Westbury, the first of seven street-level grade crossings to be eliminated, and one of 50 projects included in the modernization effort. The Governor was joined by senior officials from the MTA and LIRR as well as Nassau and Suffolk County Executives. Other work to begin this fall 2018 includes station renovation, bridge modification and new parking facility construction.

Design-Builder Contract Award

3rd Track Constructors (3TC) was awarded the contract to complete the design and construction of the LIRR Expansion Project. Several expert firms have joined together to form 3TC, including Dragados USA, Inc., John P. Picone Inc., CCA Civil, Inc., and Halmar International LLC, with Stantec as the design professional, as well as Cameron Engineering, and Rubenstein Associates leading the community outreach team.

Community-Focused Construction Mitigation

Incorporating extensive input from local communities, the project team will utilize neighbor-friendly and innovative construction methods and practices to keep the impact of construction as minimal as possible. This community-focused approach to construction includes:

  • Pre-construction home inspections
  • Satellite parking to keep workers’ personal vehicles off residential streets
  • Using existing track to transport materials to and from work sites
  • Advance notification of any disruptive work or road closures to residents, municipalities, school districts and first-responders
  • Scheduling construction deliveries outside of school and commuter traffic peak hours to the extent practicable
  • Creating and implementing a community noise, vibration and air quality control monitoring program
  • Environmental monitoring consistent with a Construction Health and Safety Plan
  • Protecting access to existing businesses
  • Street cleaning as needed
  • Door-to-door outreach to residents
  • Regular project website updates to the public
  • Staffing the Project Information Office with on-site supervision for rapid response to neighborhood concerns
  • 24/7 hotline assigned to a community outreach representative

Accountability & Innovation

To meet the project schedule and goals, the project will employ the cutting edge “design-build” construction approach used with great success on other projects such as the replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge.

Design-Build Solution: Design and construction will be contracted out to a single private sector team, resulting in significant savings in time and cost.

Reward Innovation: Selection of teams will reward innovation in minimizing community impacts and accelerating construction timetables.

Accountability: Construction team will be held accountable for project timelines with severe penalties for delays.

Community Partnership

Governor Cuomo has promised an unprecedented community outreach program as part of the project. Over the past two years, MTA and LIRR officials have met consistently and frequently with local elected officials, civic leaders, business owners and residents to discuss the project and elicit feedback. 

Community Commitments

The results of previous outreach efforts have been incorporated into the project’s scope and details in some of the following ways:

  • The use of retaining walls will allow the third track to be placed in the existing LIRR right-of-way. This approach eliminated the need for residential relocations and other imposing community impacts.
  • Sound attenuation walls will be erected throughout residential areas to reduce noise levels and protect quality of life standards.
  • Environmental controls will be in place throughout the duration of construction to minimize dust, noise and other community disruptions.
  • The MTA’s and LIRR’s ongoing commitment to robust community outreach, including consultation on design aspects, will ensure the public’s voices are heard and considered throughout all aspects of the project.

Community Outreach Meetings

Draft Scoping Document Public Meetings: A total of six Public Hearings were held in Summer 2016 to provide opportunities for the public to comment on the Draft Scoping Document. Approximately 1,200 people attended the Public Hearings and more than 750 individuals and entities submitted comments or questions regarding the Draft Scoping Document.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement Public Hearings: A total of six public hearings were held from January 17, 2017, to January 19, 2017, to provide opportunities for the public to comment on the Draft EIS.

Ongoing Stakeholder Meetings: In addition to the large public meetings held during both the scoping period and DEIS comment period, the project team has met with many stakeholders individually and in groups to focus on specific issues and understand localized concerns. Such meetings have included property owners’ associations, individual homeowners, school districts, emergency services, civic organizations, business owners, and local elected officials. To date, hundreds of these stakeholder engagement meetings have occurred. Such meetings will continue to take place throughout the course of the project.

Local Business Outreach

More than 700 local women, minority and service-disabled veteran owned businesses registered to participate in a special information and networking session about the proposed LIRR Expansion Project. The event was held on March 30, 2017 at Antun’s in Queens Village to help fulfill Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s directive to raise the bar for recruiting small, local and certified Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (MWDBEs), as well as Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs), for state projects.

Featured Video

Long Island Rail Road Customers Talk About a Third Track on the Main Line

LIRR customers talk about their commutes and how adding a third track to the bottlenecked, 2-track Main Line would help them every single day.

Learn More About Project Benefits

3TC Continues Noise Monitoring Along the LIRR Expansion Project

By | Carle Place Station, Floral Park Station, Hicksville Station, LIRR Expansion Project, Merillon Avenue Station, Mineola Station, New Hyde Park Station, Project Update, Westbury Station

As part of its commitment to protect the communities along the LIRR Expansion Project, 3rd Track Constructors (3TC, the project’s design-builder) continues to gather baseline data to monitor noise levels at project locations. 3TC is doing everything it can to make sure its work has the least impact possible on…

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Free Wi-Fi Is Now Available at LIRR Expansion Project Stations

By | Carle Place Station, Floral Park Station, Hicksville Station, LIRR Expansion Project, Merillon Avenue Station, Mineola Station, New Hyde Park Station, Westbury Station

Wi-Fi has been successfully installed at all stations along the LIRR Expansion Project-Floral Park to Hicksville. These stations are: Floral Park New Hyde Park Merillon Avenue Mineola Carle Place Westbury Hicksville Wi-Fi is now accessible on the platform at each of these stations and free for LIRR customers.

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LIRR Expansion Project Team Supports Long Island Community ‘National Night Out’ Event on August 7th

LIRR Expansion Project Team Supports Long Island Community ‘National Night Out’ Event

By | LIRR Expansion Project, Project Update

Representatives from the Long Island Rail Road Expansion Project from Floral Park to Hicksville attended Town of North Hempstead’s National Night Out on Tuesday, August 7th. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that takes place in cities and towns all across the country in an effort to promote…

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Early Prep Work Underway to Eliminate the Covert Avenue Street-Level Grade Crossing

By | Covert Avenue Grade Crossing, LIRR Expansion Project, Project Update

The elimination of this street-level grade crossing will dramatically improve safety for both LIRR passengers and motorists. Traffic along this crossing will see vast improvements, as crossing gates currently can close roadways for up to approximately 30 minutes in a peak hour, contributing to significant congestion on local streets.

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Historic LIRR investment seeks to ease riders’ woes

By | Double Track, East Side Access, Jamaica Capacity Improvements, LIRR Expansion Project, Moynihan Train Hall, New M9 Rail Cars, Positive Train Control

Billions of dollars in infrastructure investments being made now on the LIRR could transform how Long Islanders live and commute within the next five years, experts said. From new trains to new stations to new tracks, several big-ticket improvements long debated for the Long Island Rail Road are now approved,…

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RXR CEO: Rail projects ‘game changers’ for LI, which has lagged as NYC grew

By | Double Track, East Side Access, LIRR Expansion Project

Long Island has been “left behind” as New York City’s economy has surged, but the $11.2 billion effort linking the LIRR to Grand Central Terminal and other rail projects will be “game changers” for the region, RXR Realty’s Scott Rechler told a gathering of real estate executives Wednesday morning. The…

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Reversing The Brain Drain

By | Baldwin Station, Bayside Station, Bellmore Station, Brentwood Station, Carle Place Station, Deer Park Station, Double Track, East Hampton Station, East Yaphank Station, Farmingdale Station, Floral Park Station, Flushing Main Street Station, Great Neck Station, Hicksville Station, In the News, LIRR Expansion Project, Merillon Avenue Station, Merrick Station, Mets-Willets Point Station, Mineola Station, Murray Hill Station, New Hyde Park Station, Northport Station, Nostrand Avenue Station, Port Jefferson Station, Ronkonkoma Station, Stewart Manor Station, Stony Brook Station, Syosset Station, Valley Stream Station, Wantagh Station, Westbury Station, Wyandanch Station

Long Island is in the midst of historic change. For years, as other regions invested in areas like quality, affordable rental housing, mixed-use development, and public transit, LI was content with the status quo.

We sat silent as we watched droves of young people — educated in our outstanding public schools at significant expense — leave home and help create economic growth in other regions of our country.

Read More

Background Information

What is the LIRR Expansion Project?

The LIRR Expansion Project is a key initiative of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s comprehensive plan to transform and expand our vital regional transportation infrastructure to strengthen our local economy, create jobs, enhance our environment and protect Long Island’s future. The project will improve transportation service, public safety, and quality of life for hundreds of thousands of people who travel, work and live on Long Island.

The project calls for the construction of a third track along a 9.8-mile stretch of the railroad’s heavily traversed Main Line corridor between the Floral Park and Hicksville train stations, and the elimination of the seven street-level train crossings along its route, among other benefits. These crucial infrastructure improvements would maximize the benefits of complementary LIRR projects, such as East Side Access to Manhattan and a second track from Farmingdale to Ronkonkoma. Every Long Islander stands to benefit from the new Main Line third track, which will improve reliability, frequency, and on-time service; provide new mass transit alternatives to driving into New York City; improve traffic, safety and noise conditions in communities with street level grade crossings; reduce noise levels along the tracks where retaining walls and sound attenuation walls would be installed; add commuter parking and enhance train stations in the project corridor.

What are some of the key elements of the project?

  • Installation of a third track within LIRR right-of-way to improve service options and reliability
  • Elimination of seven street-level grade crossings to improve safety, eliminate roadway delays, and reduce noise
  • Rail infrastructure upgrades, including new signal equipment and switches
  • Modernization of power substations to bring power infrastructure to a state of good repair and enhance capacity to power three tracks
  • Improvements to seven rail bridges to accommodate a third track and to eliminate bridge strikes
  • Station enhancements, including ADA accessibility improvements and longer platforms avoiding the need to walk through train cars to exit, helping to avoid delays and safety issues
  • Complete avoidance of residential relocations accomplished through strategically placed retaining walls
  • Construction of sound attenuation walls throughout residential areas to reduce noise levels and protect quality of life standards

What are the project benefits?

  • Fewer delays and improved reliability for both peak and reverse-peak direction commuters with the extra capacity of a third track
  • Fewer delays and improved reliability due to extensive infrastructure upgrades, including signals and switches
  • Better service to employment centers on Long Island and in New York City
  • Less crowded trains for a smoother commute, and stations that accommodate full length trains avoiding the need to walk through train cars to exit
  • Quicker service recovery after delay-inducing incidents
  • Additional parking for railroad commuters
  • Fewer cars on the road, easing traffic congestion and improving air quality
  • Elimination of disruptive and noisy train horns and crossing gate bells required at street-level train crossings in the project corridor
  • Noise reduction from the installation of retaining walls and sound-attenuation walls along tracks in the project corridor

How will the LIRR Expansion project benefit the environment?

In 2010, Long Island vehicular traffic, including cars idling at grade crossings, produced approximately 30 percent of the entire Island’s greenhouse gas emissions. The section of the Long Island Expressway that runs parallel with the proposed third track is among the most congested stretches of highway in the nation.

If we do nothing, traffic in this corridor is expected to increase more than 25 percent over the next 25 years. With improved LIRR service, elimination of street-level grade crossings and additional mass transit options for Long Island, we can reduce traffic congestion, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.

How will the LIRR Expansion Project improve the future of Long Island?

As population in the region grows so does vehicular traffic, and the need for better transit options becomes critical.

Long Island needs to leverage its mass transit infrastructure to attract new investment, create additional jobs, strengthen real estate values, and grow its economy to ensure a stable and prosperous future for the Island.

With a third track, the LIRR will be able to more reliably run more trains on the Main Line during morning and evening peak periods, improve on-time performance, and provide an alternate path for trains in the event of a broken-down train, blocked track due to fallen trees or other unexpected service disruptions. All this will result in more frequent and reliable service, including expanded options for off-peak travel.

When the independent research organization, Long Island Index, studied the potential benefits of a third track, it concluded the project would improve mobility on Long Island and benefit the regional economy.
Long Island-based businesses would find it easier to attract and retain employees, especially for specialized industries such as education, biotechnology, and the health sciences; the lifeblood of the Island’s economic health. Colleges and universities would also be more attractive to area students, who would be more likely to stay on Long Island to live and work after graduation.

Project Information

Where exactly will the three tracks go?

The third track will be added within the existing LIRR right-of-way, on a 9.8-mile segment of the Main Line between Floral Park and Hicksville that serves more than 250 trains on a typical weekday and is used by 40% of LIRR customers.

Will this project increase freight traffic on the LIRR?

No. The project is intended to increase capacity for passenger train service. The LIRR has committed that freight trains, which are currently running at less than capacity and do not need a third track, will continue to be prohibited from traveling along the Main Line during peak hours. The project will have no impact whatsoever on freight trains.

Are there regulations about the speed and cargo of freight trains?

Yes. The speed of freight trains is limited to a maximum of 45 miles per hour to ensure safety for rail passengers and operators, as well as local communities. LIRR and federal regulations also require freight operators to carry freight materials in safe, appropriate, and regulated cars to ensure rail, road and community safety.

How will the grade crossings be changed?

The elimination of the LIRR’s street-level rail crossings, called grade crossings, has been underway since the 1980s along the Main Line. Seven grade crossings along this 9.8-mile corridor will be eliminated, which will dramatically improve safety for both LIRR customers and crew, as well as motorists. Five of these grade crossings will have underpasses, allowing traffic to flow even when trains are passing overhead. Traffic along these crossings will see vast improvements, as crossing gates currently can close roadways for up to 30 minutes in a peak hour, contributing to significant congestion on local streets. In consultation with the villages, two of the grade crossings will be closed to vehicular traffic entirely, with pedestrian underpass or overpass solutions to allow pedestrian access at these locations.

Why can’t we eliminate the grade crossings without adding a third track?

This is a comprehensive project that will benefit the entire region, reducing traffic and increasing safety for both regional rail riders as well as local community residents and drivers. Eliminating the grade crossings along the 9.8-mile stretch of the Main Line must happen at the same time that a third track is added because doing the work separately would make construction time, cost to taxpayers, and disruption to local communities many times greater.

Will the LIRR need to relocate private homes to complete the project?

No residential relocations will be required for the project. The project eliminates the need for residential relocation by building the third track within the existing LIRR right-of-way and using retaining walls instead of wider earthen berms. Construction will be handled in a way to minimize the impact on property owners.

If the project requires the taking of commercial property, will owners be reimbursed?

Yes. As noted above, the project will not require any residential relocations for the construction of a third track. While commercial property acquisitions are expected to be minimal, those business owners will be compensated for their property and will receive assistance from New York State to relocate within the same community in which they are currently operating. Extensive outreach from the project team is currently underway to address these issues.

How is the LIRR informing adjacent property owners or businesses and how is it engaging the communities affected by the project?

Governor Cuomo has promised an unprecedented community outreach program as part of the project. Over the past two years, MTA and LIRR officials have met consistently and frequently with local elected officials, civic leaders, business owners and residents to discuss the project and elicit feedback. The results of these efforts have been incorporated into the project’s scope and details in some of the following ways:

  • The use of retaining walls will allow the third track to be placed in the existing LIRR right-of-way. This approach eliminated the need for residential relocations and other imposing community impacts.
  • Sound attenuation walls will be erected throughout residential areas to reduce noise levels and protect quality of life standards.
  • Environmental controls will be in place throughout the duration of construction to minimize dust, noise and other community disruptions.
  • The MTA’s and LIRR’s ongoing commitment to robust community outreach, including consultation on design aspects, will ensure the public’s voices are heard and considered throughout all aspects of the project.

What will the LIRR Expansion project cost and how will it be funded?

The total project cost is estimated at $2.6 billion. This includes 3TC’s contract and other costs including work performed by LIRR employees, contingencies and insurance costs. The project is being funded through the MTA Capital Program.

Construction Information

What does design-build mean?

Design-build is an alternative to the traditional construction method of “design-bid-build.” Under a design-build contract, a single firm or consortium is responsible for both the design and construction of a project. This approach puts competitive pressure on bidders to harness innovative methods to complete the project faster and lessen the impact of construction. The final contract imposes financial penalties for failure to adhere to a strict project timetable. This approach incentives faster construction, places the risk for cost overruns on the Design-Builder, and rewards the Design-Builder for reducing impacts on local communities and commuters. Design-build has been used successfully in projects such as the new Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, as well as the LIRR’s Ellison Avenue Bridge and Post Avenue Bridge replacements.

Who is building the project?

3rd Track Constructors (3TC) was awarded the contract to complete the design and construction of the LIRR Expansion Project. Several expert firms have joined together to form 3TC, including Dragados USA, Inc., John P. Picone Inc., CCA Civil, Inc., and Halmar International LLC, with Stantec as the design professional, as well as Cameron Engineering, and Rubenstein Associates leading the community outreach team.

When will construction begin?

Substantial construction is expected to begin in late 2018 following the completion of design, surveying, mobilization, utility relocations, and other early construction activities. The overall project is expected to be completed by late 2022.

How will the LIRR keep noise, vibration and other disruptions to a minimum during construction?

Incorporating extensive input from local communities, the project team will utilize neighbor-friendly and innovative construction methods and practices to keep the impact of construction as minimal as possible. This community-focused approach to construction includes:

  • Pre-construction home inspections
  • Satellite parking to keep workers’ personal vehicles off residential streets
  • Using existing track to transport materials to and from work sites
  • Advance notification of any disruptive work or road closures to residents, municipalities, school districts and first-responders
  • Scheduling construction deliveries outside of school and commuter traffic peak hours to the extent practicable
  • Creating and implementing a community noise and vibration monitoring program
  • Implementing an air quality control plan to include dust control measures, ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, the use of best available tailpipe technologies such as diesel particulate filters, and the utilization of newer equipment
  • Environmental monitoring consistent with a Construction Health and Safety Plan
  • Protecting access to existing businesses
  • Street cleaning as needed
  • Door-to-door outreach to residents
  • Regular project website updates to the public
  • Staffing the Project Information Office with on-site supervision for rapid response to neighborhood concerns
  • 24/7 hotline assigned to a community outreach representative

What happens now?

In the first quarter of 2018, 3TC began surveying, mobilization, utility coordination, and geotechnical investigations. These efforts are enabling 3TC to advance the project’s engineering designs. Community outreach efforts are continuing, including developing clear communication protocols, designing the new Community Information Center, coordinating with elected officials, and soliciting input on the aesthetics of project components such as stations and sound walls. Similar pre-construction activities will continue in the months ahead. Substantial construction is expected to begin in late 2018.

Community Engagement

How can I ask questions, provide comments or receive updates about the project?

If you have a question or want to learn more about the LIRR Expansion Project, please contact 3rd Track Constructors (3TC)’s community hotline at (516) 203-4955 or email CommunityOutreach@LIRRExpansion.com.

Current Documents

Limited Notice To Proceed (LNTP)


The Limited Notice To Proceed (LNTP) issued on January 26, 2018 authorizing the commencement of Pre-Construction Work and Early Start Work.

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Addition to 2015-2019 Capital Plan Owner Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP)


Addition of LIRR Expansion Project to 2015-2019 Capital Plan Owner Controlled Insurance Program (OCIP) on January 22, 2018.

Download Document

Design-Build Contract with 3rd Track Constructors

Please be advised that certain records have been redacted or withheld consistent with the following subsections of New York State’s Public Officers Law §87(2):

Portions of the records have been redacted or withheld in their entirety under section 87(2)(a) as the information is specifically exempted from disclosure by state or federal statute. [Including, but not limited, to 49 USC §40119 and by extension 49 CFR, Part 15.

Portions of the records have been redacted or withheld under section 87(2)(b) on the ground that disclosure of the information would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy under the provisions of Public Officers Law section 89(2).

Portions of the records have been redacted or withheld under section 87(2)(d) as the information constitutes trade secrets or was submitted to an agency by a commercial enterprise or derived from information obtained from a commercial enterprise and which if disclosed would cause substantial injury to the competitive position of the subject enterprise.

Portions of the records have been redacted or withheld under section 87(2)(f) on the ground that disclosure of the information could endanger the life or safety of any person.

Portions of the records have been redacted or withheld under section 87(2)(i) on the ground that disclosure would jeopardize the capacity of an agency or an entity that has shared information with an agency to guarantee the security of its information technology assets, such assets encompassing both electronic information systems and infrastructures.

Final version as of January 8, 2018

  • Volume 1 – Design-Build Agreement
    This Design-Build agreement, entered into on this 29th day of December 2017, by the MTA Capital Construction Company acting on behalf of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, hereinafter referred to as “MTA,” and 3rd Track Constructors, a joint venture consisting of John P. Picone, Inc., Dragados USA, Inc., Halmar International LLC, and CCA Civil, Inc., hereinafter referred to as the “Design Builder.”
  • Volume 3 – Part 1
  • Volume 3 – Part 2
  • Volume 4 – Utility Requirements
    Utility Requirements provides information on the Design-Builder’s overall responsibilities as they relate to existing and/or new utilities, the way utilities may be protected, relocated, upgraded, constructed or incorporated into the construction.
  • Volume 5 – Technical Specifications
    Most environmental compliance requirements arising from the EIS process are included in the Technical Provisions and other Contract Documents.
  • Volume 6 – Environmental Compliance Form
    Additional Environmental Compliance requirements arising from the EIS and findings are as follows..
  • Volume 7 – Contract Drawings
  • Volume 8 – Directive Drawings – Volume 8 has been redacted in its entirety
  • Volume 9 – Standards – Volume 9 has been redacted in its entirety
  • Volume 10 – Existing Conditions Data – Volume 10 has been redacted in its entirety

Request for Proposals (RFP)


The notice of Request for Proposals (RFP) for the design-build services for the proposed LIRR Expansion Project from Floral Park to Hicksville was issued on June 8, 2017. The Design-Builder shall be responsible for all aspects of design, engineering, scheduling, coordination (with the Railroad, communities, utility companies and others), construction and timely completion of the Project for a fixed Contract Price.

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EIS Documents

Project Scoping Documents

The Final Scoping Document, which contains updated information based on the previous comment period for the Draft Scoping Document, was published on Aug. 26, 2016. The Final Scoping Document is another step forward in preparation for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Click below to download and view the LIRR Expansion Project SEQRA Scoping Documents.

  • Draft Project Scoping Document – May 5, 2016
    A Draft Scoping Document for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) pursuant to the NYS Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) for the Long Island Rail Road Expansion Project.
  • Draft Scoping Document Public Comments
    View scoping comments received during the previous comment period for the Draft Scoping Document including comments from the Public Scoping Meetings held on May 24 and 25.
  • Final Project Scoping Document – August 26, 2016
    The Final Scoping Document for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) pursuant to the NYS Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) for the Long Island Rail Road Expansion Project.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the LIRR Expansion Project was released on November 28, 2016 for public review. The report contains extensive, detailed information about the potential significant effects of the project. The DEIS also provides information about the project’s unprecedented community outreach efforts.

  • Table of Contents and Cover Letter
  • Executive Summary
    The Executive Summary provides an overview of the environmental analyses conducted in the DEIS and summarizes the principal conclusions and commitments.
  • Chapter 1 – Project Description
    This chapter describes the Proposed Project’s purpose and need, as well as major project elements including the third track alignment, grade crossing eliminations, station improvements, and related components.
  • Chapter 2 – Land Use, Community Character, and Public Policy
    This chapter characterizes how land is used (for example, residential, commercial, or industrial), community character, public policy, and zoning and evaluates the potential for the Proposed Project to affect these factors.
  • Chapter 3 – Socioeconomic Conditions
    This chapter assesses the potential socioeconomic impacts related to the Proposed Project, including an assessment of demographics, population, housing, employment, access to businesses, tax revenues, and fiscal and economic benefits.
  • Chapter 4 – Environmental Justice
    This chapter includes an environmental justice analysis to identify the Proposed Project’s potential for disproportional and adverse impacts on minority and low-income communities, as defined by the NYS DEC’s Environmental Justice Policy.
  • Chapter 5 – Visual Resources
    This chapter describes the Proposed Project’s potential to impact the visual and aesthetic resources within the study area.
  • Chapter 6 – Historic Resources
    This chapter considers the potential for the Proposed Project to affect historic resources, including National Historic Landmarks, resources listed on the State/National Registers of Historic Places or determined eligible for such listing, and locally designated resources.
  • Chapter 7 – Natural Resources
    This chapter examines the potential impacts from the Proposed Project on natural resources within the Project Corridor, including groundwater, wetlands, terrestrial biota, threatened or endangered species, and species of special concern.
  • Chapter 8 – Contaminated Materials
    This chapter evaluates the potential for substances that pose a threat to human health or the environment to exist within or near the Study Area for the Proposed Project. This chapter also evaluates whether construction or operation of the Proposed Project might increase exposure of people or the environment to contaminated materials.
  • Chapter 9 – Utilities and Related Infrastructure
    This chapter discusses the existing utilities and related infrastructure in the Study Area that may be affected by the Proposed Project. Utilities considered include gas and electric lines, fiber optic and telephone lines, cable television lines, water and sanitary sewer lines, and storm water drainage.
  • Chapter 10 – Transportation
    This chapter identifies the transportation benefits and impacts of the Proposed Project on specific local components of the region’s transportation system including: LIRR service, operations and ridership; nearby public bus services; vehicular traffic; parking; pedestrian connectivity; and traffic safety.
  • Chapter 11 – Air Quality
    This chapter analyzes the effect of the Proposed Project’s operation on air quality including a description of the regulatory context, analysis methodology, existing air quality, and the future air quality with the Proposed Project.
  • Chapter 12 – Noise
    This chapter documents the effects of the Proposed Project on noise and vibration in the Project Corridor, including potential noise benefits due to the elimination of grade crossings and building of sound-attenuating walls.
  • Chapter 13 – Construction
    This chapter summarizes potential construction plans for the Proposed Project, assesses the potential for significant adverse impacts during construction, and outlines numerous mitigation measures to reduce impacts on local communities in and near the Project Corridor.
  • Chapter 14 – Cumulative & Secondary Impacts
    This chapter includes an assessment of the Proposed Project’s potential to result in cumulative and secondary impacts. Cumulative impacts include the Proposed Project’s direct impacts along with the impacts of other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions. Secondary impacts are also known as induced growth (i.e., whether the Proposed Project would lead to growth outside the scope of the project elements).
  • Chapter 15 – Safety & Security
    This chapter discusses safety and security issues associated with increased train movement within the Project Corridor, the extension of electrification to accommodate a third track, the modification of platforms and stations, passenger safety, and the closure and/or separation of grade crossings.
  • Chapter 16 – Electromagnetic Fields
    This chapter evaluates potential impacts due to electric and magnetic fields (EMF) from the Proposed Project.
  • Chapter 17 – Climate Change
    This chapter evaluates the greenhouse gas emissions that would be generated and reduced by the construction and operation of the Proposed Project, and the Proposed Project’s consistency with statewide reduction goals.
  • Chapter 18 – Alternatives
    This chapter evaluates a range of alternatives to the Proposed Project including those alternatives that were initially considered but then dismissed from further analysis, a “No Action” alternative, and alternatives suggested by members of the public.
  • Chapter 19 – Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources
    This chapter discusses natural and man-made resources that would be expended during construction or operation of the Proposed Project and thereby would become unavailable for future use.
  • Chapter 20 – Unavoidable Adverse Impacts
    This chapter summarizes several unavoidable adverse impacts that are described in more detail in other chapters throughout the DEIS.
  • Chapter 21 – Public and Agency Participation 
    This chapter presents a summary of the process used to date to encourage public and agency participation during the early phases of the LIRR Expansion Project, and planned measures to encourage continued involvement throughout future project phases.

Appendices by Chapter

Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)

The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the LIRR Expansion Project was released on April 12, 2017. The report describes the proposed LIRR Expansion Project in detail, including its purpose and need, its benefits, its potential environmental impacts, and many other issues including community engagement.  The study incorporates input taken from the public on its earlier draft, and responds to comments made by the public.

A. Front Matter

B. Foreword

This Foreword summarizes changes to the Proposed Project since the DEIS was released, the additional analyses contained in the FEIS, and the structure of the FEIS document.

C. Executive Summary

The Executive Summary provides an overview of the environmental analyses conducted in the FEIS and summarizes the principal conclusions and commitments.

D. Chapters

  • Chapter 1 – Project Description
    This chapter describes the Proposed Project’s purpose and need, as well as major project elements including the third track alignment, grade crossing eliminations, station improvements, parking garages, and related components.
  • Chapter 2 – Land Use, Community Character, and Public Policy
    This chapter describes existing land use and community character in the project corridor and assesses potential impacts as a result of the Proposed Project.
  • Chapter 3 – Socioeconomic Conditions
    This chapter assesses the potential socioeconomic impacts related to the Proposed Project, including an assessment of demographics, population, housing, employment, access to businesses, tax revenues, and fiscal and economic benefits.
  • Chapter 4 – Environmental Justice
    This chapter includes an environmental justice analysis to identify the Proposed Project’s potential for disproportional and adverse impacts on minority and low-income communities, as defined by the NYS DEC’s Environmental Justice Policy.
  • Chapter 5 – Visual Resources
    This chapter describes the Proposed Project’s potential to impact the visual and aesthetic resources within the study area.
  • Chapter 6 – Historic Resources
    This chapter considers the potential for the Proposed Project to affect historic resources, including resources listed on the State/National Registers of Historic Places or determined eligible for such listing.
  • Chapter 7 – Natural Resources
    This chapter examines the potential impacts from the Proposed Project on natural resources within the project corridor, including groundwater, wetlands, terrestrial biota, threatened or endangered species, and species of special concern.
  • Chapter 8 – Contaminated Materials
    This chapter evaluates the potential for substances that pose a threat to human health or the environment to exist within or near the Study Area for the Proposed Project.
  • Chapter 9 – Utilities and Related Infrastructure
    This chapter discusses the existing utilities and related infrastructure in the Study Area that may be affected by the Proposed Project. Utilities considered include gas and electric lines, fiber optic and telephone lines, cable television lines, water and sanitary sewer lines, and storm water drainage.
  • Chapter 10 – Transportation
    This chapter identifies the transportation benefits and impacts of the Proposed Project on specific local components of the region’s transportation system including: LIRR service, operations and ridership; nearby public bus services; vehicular traffic; parking; pedestrian connectivity; and traffic safety.
  • Chapter 11 – Air Quality
    This chapter analyzes the effect of the Proposed Project on air quality including a description of the regulatory context, analysis methodology, existing air quality, and the future air quality with the Proposed Project.
  • Chapter 12 – Noise
    This chapter documents the effects of the Proposed Project on noise and vibration in the project corridor, including potential noise benefits due to the elimination of grade crossings and building of sound attenuation walls.
  • Chapter 13 – Construction
    This chapter summarizes potential construction plans for the Proposed Project, assesses the potential for impacts during construction, and outlines numerous measures to avoid or reduce impacts on local communities in and near the project corridor.
  • Chapter 14 – Cumulative and Secondary Impacts
    This chapter includes an assessment of the Proposed Project’s potential to result in cumulative and secondary impacts. Cumulative impacts include the Proposed Project’s direct impacts along with the impacts of other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions. Secondary impacts are also known as induced growth (i.e., whether the Proposed Project would lead to growth outside the scope of the project elements).
  • Chapter 15 – Safety and Security
    This chapter discusses safety and security issues associated with increased train movement within the project corridor, the extension of electrification to accommodate a third track, the modification of platforms and stations, passenger safety, and the closure and/or separation of grade crossings.
  • Chapter 16 – Electromagnetic Fields
    This chapter evaluates potential impacts due to electric and magnetic fields (EMF) from the Proposed Project.
  • Chapter 17 – Climate Change
    This chapter evaluates the greenhouse gas emissions that would be generated and reduced by the construction and operation of the Proposed Project, and the Proposed Project’s consistency with statewide reduction goals.
  • Chapter 18 – Alternatives
    This chapter evaluates a range of alternatives to the Proposed Project including those alternatives that were initially considered but then dismissed from further analysis, a “No Action” alternative, and alternatives suggested by members of the public.
  • Chapter 19 – Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources
    This chapter discusses natural and man-made resources that would be expended during construction or operation of the Proposed Project and thereby would become unavailable for future use.
  • Chapter 20 – Unavoidable Adverse Impacts
    This chapter summarizes several unavoidable adverse impacts that are described in more detail in other chapters throughout the FEIS.
  • Chapter 21 – Public Participation and Agency Coordination
    This chapter presents a summary of the process used to date to encourage public and agency participation during the early phases of the LIRR Expansion Project, and planned measures to encourage continued involvement throughout future project phases.
  • Chapter 22 – Response to EIS Comments
    This chapter summarizes public comments received on the DEIS and provides responses to those comments.

E. Appendices

LIRR Findings Statement

LIRR Findings Statement in accordance with the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).

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Project Right-of-Way (ROW) Map

The Long Island Rail Road Expansion Project Right-of-Way (ROW) Map published on August 26, 2016.

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Gannett Fleming – AECOM Contract Award Letter

The Long Island Rail Road accepts the final March 15, 2016 cost proposal from Gannett Fleming – AECOM Rail Road Expansion Partnership (GF/AECOM) for the referenced Contract.

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Technical Statement of Work (TSOW)

Technical Statement of Work For Engineering and Environmental Consultant Services published on March 23, 2016.

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