MTA Construction & Development today announced the addition of new elevators at the Floral Park Long Island Rail Road station. The three elevators, one for each platform, provide access from the street level to the platform level and make the station fully accessible to all in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The enhancements are part of the LIRR Expansion Project, which will introduce 10 miles of new track between Floral Park and Hicksville.
These improvements were developed based on community feedback received as part of a comprehensive environmental review and public involvement process for the LIRR Expansion Project in 2017.
In all, when the LIRR Expansion Project is completed, eight railroad grade crossings will have been eliminated, seven bridges replaced or expanded, five stations completely rebuilt, 10 miles of a third track installed and infrastructure such as power substations and interlockings built. For more information about the LIRR Expansion Project, visit https://www.amodernli.com/project/thirdtrack/.
The three new elevators at the Floral Park station cost $10 million, which is comparatively less expensive than similar projects in the subway system – where utilities and stairs must be moved and in some cases, entire mezzanines must be expanded and reconfigured. This value was achieved by following the Design-Build project delivery system, where projects are bundled to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Over the past 17 months the Authority has completed 12 accessibility projects since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, spanning across four boroughs of New York City. Most recently, the MTA has completed accessibility projects at the 57 St station on the lines in Midtown Manhattan, the Gun Hill Rd station in the Bronx and to the Manhattan side of the Court Sq-23 St station in Queens.
“This project continues to be a model for how the MTA can deliver infrastructure projects better, faster and cheaper,” said Janno Lieber, President of MTA Construction & Development. “We’re especially proud of the enhancements being made despite the COVID pandemic, which shows the MTA’s continued dedication to accessibility.”
“Providing safe, reliable and equitable service for all is paramount. I’m proud of how the LIRR workforce has continued to work side by side with 3TC throughout this pandemic delivering on our commitment to make Floral Park Station accessible with these new elevators,” said Phil Eng, President of MTA Long Island Rail Road. “Our customers and the communities that we serve deserve a world class system and this brings us one step closer. The LIRR Expansion Project has already completed major infrastructure improvements that has resulted in better service for our riders and we’re excited for all that’s still to come.”
“Riders coming back to the Long Island Rail Road can look forward to using a more inclusive transit system,” said Quemuel Arroyo, MTA Chief Accessibility Officer. “Ensuring our customers can get where they need to go is a top priority for the MTA and Long Island.”
“The Village of Floral Park is pleased to see this much-anticipated improvement to the Floral Park LIRR Station come to completion,” said Kevin Fitzgerald, Village of Floral Park Mayor. “Additionally, we would also like to thank the LIRR in listening to the Village Board and our residents’ requests during the EIS process in having this important addition included in the Mainline Expansion Project. Improving access to public transportation is extremely important and we look forward to continuing to work with the MTA towards enhancing the level of service offered at the Floral Park Station.”
“Transportation systems are vital for people to reach their everyday destinations. All individuals deserve accessible public transportation, especially our disabled and elderly New Yorkers,” said Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages. “I want to extend my appreciation to the Long Island Rail Road for prioritizing this elevator upgrade for the Floral Park Long Island Rail Road Station. This upgrade will allow all individuals to have access to safe and reliable transportation.”
“Barrier-free public transportation is a non-negotiable right for every resident in Nassau County, and I am proud to have been an advocate to gain access to this station for all individuals – those with permanent or temporary disabilities, to young families with strollers and young children, to seniors, to our Veterans,” said Nadia Holubnyczyj-Ortiz, local accessibility advocate. “I am thankful to Governor Cuomo’s administration for including this design into the Third Track project and to Mr. Phillip Eng, president of the MTA LIRR for continuing his efforts to provide equitable service to all of Long Island.”
The Floral Park LIRR Station was built in 1878 and converted to an elevated station in 1960. The station services both the Main Line and the Hempstead Branch and serves nearly 3,000 customers each weekday.
Other work along the Main Line between Floral Park and Hicksville includes:
In December 2020 the MTA announced a major accessibility project that will include eight stations throughout the five boroughs and will result in 17 new elevators as the Authority remains committed to increasing its number of fully ADA-compliant stations.
For more information about accessible stations across the MTA network, visit https://new.mta.info/accessibility/stations.
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