Since the approval of the third track project last year, MTA officials have wasted no time in rolling out plans across the 9.8-mile stretch from Floral Park to Hicksville.
The Urban Avenue grade crossing in the Town of North Hempstead is one of seven street-level crossings along the LIRR Main Line to be eliminated as part of the LIRR Expansion Project from Floral Park to Hicksville. Currently, the Urban Avenue grade crossing poses a safety risk to drivers, pedestrians and LIRR customers; contributes to noise and air pollution; and is responsible for lengthy commutes for both drivers and LIRR customers. Specifically, in Westbury as trains approach the station, grade crossing gates are in the down position 27 to 35 percent of the time in the AM and PM peak hour periods. The need for grade crossing elimination is further illustrated by the fact that there was a total of six fatal crashes at grade crossing locations in the LIRR Main Line corridor between 2007 to 2017.
In consultation with the Town of North Hempstead, the Urban Avenue grade crossing will be reconstructed to accommodate a two-way grade separated underpass with a pedestrian sidewalk on the west side. Railroad Avenue will bridge over the underpass and remain connected. The grade crossing reconstruction is expected to be completed by mid-2019.
This reconstructed grade crossing was designed in conjunction with the Town of North Hempstead and will enhance safety and provide for a quieter and more livable community along the railroad. The elimination of the Urban Avenue grade crossing is part of the LIRR Expansion Project to strengthen the reliability of LIRR infrastructure and ultimately support the growth and development of Long Island.

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