Thanks to @prrhorseshoecurve for starting this thread.
Let's keep it going. As one of the oldest RR's in the US, constant maintenance and improvements are required to keep it going. For many of us who use the LIRR on a regular basis this can be a double edged sword, often leading to delays, cancelled trains, use of buses around track closures, etc.
The LIRR is in the midst of two MAJOR improvement projects at the present time. The one that grabs the headlines is the East Side Access to Grand Central Terminal. This project still has several years to go and is billions over budget. Unfortunately most of the work is beyond view of the public from Sunnyside Yards under the East River and into GCT.
The second is called the "Third Track Project". This one will add a third track to the existing two on the LIRR Main line from Floral Park to Hicksville. This section of the ROW carries hundreds of daily trains and moves several hundred thousand commuters on the Main Line, Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Ronkonkoma and Port Jefferson Branches to and from points west including Jamaica Station and NY Penn Station. This section of track runs through the heart of Nassau County and through all three townships, Hempstead, North Hempstead, and Oyster Bay. The project was met with resistance initially from local politicians and residents but the RR did a good job of working with the community to get the issues resolved and approve the final plans. The unique part of this project is that all of the ROW runs through commercial and residential neighborhoods and is readily accessible and easy to find spots to watch the progress. The project will eliminate 7 grade crossings, upgrade several bridges, upgrade stations along the way and add parking. Major construction started late last year and some significant things are already underway.
So since I live right near Mineola, I will try and post some photos of the progress regularly. Any one else who lives in the area please feel free to add posts. Today I was going through Carle Place and saw the early stages of the Cherry Lane bridge replacement. They are building the new three-track bridge to the north and will slide it into place in June.
Here's the project web site. Enjoy.
Bob
