Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project

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Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Q4 on Mon Dec 18 09:29:09 2017 Received this update. Long Island Rail Road Expansion Project Floral Park to Hicksville Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project Dear Neighbor, The MTA Board on December 13 approved the award of a design-build contract to complete the design and construction of the Long Island Rail Road Expansion Project. The contract is to be awarded to 3rd Track Constructors (3TC), a consortium that includes several expert firms: 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. The approval follows a procurement process that was approved by the MTA Board in November 2016. Four bidders were pre-qualified in January 2017. This was followed by a series of nine one-on-one meetings with the bidders. Three of the pre-qualified bidders submitted design-build proposals. The proposals were reviewed by technical committees, including staff from the LIRR, MTA and state Department of Transportation. The Final Selection Committee, comprised of railroad, transportation, and construction industry experts, reviewed the technical and price proposals during the summer months before meeting four times during the fall, when pricing negotiations began. The months-long selection process concluded with the recommendation of 3TC's application, which an MTA analysis found offered the lowest price and best overall value. 3TC was found to have a strong understanding of the overall scope of the project, along with sensitivity to community impacts with a commitment to an innovative approach and to deliver a high-quality project. The $1.813 billion 3TC contract award comprises a base scope of $1.457 billion for work during the current 2015-2019 Capital Plan Program, and a completion scope for an additional $356 million to be funded through the 2020-2024 Capital Plan Program. On December 13, the MTA Board also approved the award of a competitive RFP contract to Arup-Jacobs Joint Venture for $99.996 million for project management. Work to Begin Under these contracts, work will begin in in earnest on the LIRR Expansion Project. Beginning in January 2018, the contractors will work to 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 project is using the "design-build" form of contracting, in which the same consortium is responsible for both the design and construction of the project. This approach puts competitive pressure on bidders to harness innovative methods to complete the project faster, and lessen the impact of construction. The contract imposes financial penalties for failure to adhere to a strict project timetable. This approach incentivizes faster construction, places the risk for cost overruns on the contractor, and rewards the contractor 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. In addition to its commitments to the community regarding noise mitigations, 3TC has also promised job growth and contract opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises, with participation goals at 15% for each category, and at 6% for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses. Community Outreach 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 property takings 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 the project. Grade Crossings to Be Eliminated Risks to public safety currently exist at street-level grade crossings along the Main Line. Accidents and traffic congestion occur when motorists and pedestrians attempt to circumnavigate lowered gates while a train is entering the intersection. From 2013 to 2016, there were 127 such incidents on the Main Line. Under this contract, seven grade crossings along this 9.8-mile corridor will be completely eliminated, which will dramatically improve safety for both LIRR customers and crew, as well as motorists. Traffic along these crossings will also 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. Railroad crossings to be eliminated include: • Covert Avenue, New Hyde Park • 12th Street, New Hyde Park • New Hyde Park Road, New Hyde Park • Main Street, Mineola • Willis Avenue, Mineola • School Street, Westbury • Urban Avenue, Westbury More information about the contract award and what it means for the project, and what the project means for Long Island, is available at aModernLI.com. Sincerely, The LIRR Expansion Project Team Visit Project Website Visit the project website at aModernLI.com for detailed information. Subscribe to Project Updates Go to aModernLI.com and subscribe to future project updates via email. Questions and Comments Email info@AModernLI.com to send us your questions and comments. Forward this email Copyright © 2017 MTA LIRR LIRR Expansion Project, Mineola Station - South Platform, Mineola, NY 11501 SafeUnsubscribe™ cannon_dk@hotmail.com Forward this email \| About our service provider Sent by info@amodernli.com in collaboration with Try it free today
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Caine515* on Mon Dec 18 09:49:46 2017, in response to Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Q4 on Mon Dec 18 09:29:09 2017.* I'm wondering how they will be the third track at mineola...thats a lot of work to do
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by andy* on Mon Dec 18 09:55:15 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Caine515 on Mon Dec 18 09:49:46 2017.* On the south side, where the current platform is located. New platform will be moved to the space just north of the bus terminal/garage structure. The bridges to the east were designed for a south side third track.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by GP38/R42 Chris* on Mon Dec 18 10:18:17 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by andy on Mon Dec 18 09:55:15 2017.* If I am not mistaken, when they built the Mineola station house in the 1920's, they even left enough room for a third track in front of it due to the fact that it was already a thought way back then.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by BILLBKLYN* on Mon Dec 18 10:58:18 2017, in response to Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Q4 on Mon Dec 18 09:29:09 2017.* I'll have to take my son back out to Mineola before that awesome grade crossing is eliminated on Main Street
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Joe V* on Mon Dec 18 11:35:01 2017, in response to Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Q4 on Mon Dec 18 09:29:09 2017.* Project has a serious flaw: all Oyster Bay trains in both directions can only use the north track to stop at Mineola to access the branch.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Bill from Maspeth* on Mon Dec 18 11:39:11 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Joe V on Mon Dec 18 11:35:01 2017.* Because doesn't the third track project elevate the mainline?
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by R2ChinaTown* on Mon Dec 18 11:43:57 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Joe V on Mon Dec 18 11:35:01 2017.* I have not seen any plans but it seemed that the reconstruction of the Mineola Blvd overpass had provision for a 3rd track in such a way as to allow the south platform to become an island platform.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Peter Rosa* on Mon Dec 18 12:19:01 2017, in response to Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Q4 on Mon Dec 18 09:29:09 2017.* In the time it takes to complete this project China will build 5,000 miles of high speed rail.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Joe V* on Mon Dec 18 13:10:44 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by R2ChinaTown on Mon Dec 18 11:43:57 2017.* Given the placement of Mineola Blvd's pillars, you could think so, but the plans now are for all new side platforms from New Hyde Park thru Westbury. The middle track will be an "express" track through all 5 stations.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Joe V* on Mon Dec 18 13:11:37 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Bill from Maspeth on Mon Dec 18 11:39:11 2017.* This is not like a Babylon Line-like grade elevation.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Chris R16/R2730* on Mon Dec 18 13:28:43 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Peter Rosa on Mon Dec 18 12:19:01 2017.* And use none of it.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by GP38/R42 Chris* on Mon Dec 18 16:13:22 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Joe V on Mon Dec 18 13:10:44 2017.* Well, the "new" track will technically be the "local" track, and one of the current tracks will be the "express" track. I am not sure if they are adding the new track on the north side or south side of the current tracks.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Joe V* on Mon Dec 18 17:19:27 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by GP38/R42 Chris on Mon Dec 18 16:13:22 2017.* They doing it on the south side from Floral Park to Mineola, part of which is there now east of Merillon ave, then the north side from there to Hicksville. I forgot which side it is at Mineola itself.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Chris R16/R2730* on Mon Dec 18 17:19:44 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by GP38/R42 Chris on Mon Dec 18 16:13:22 2017.* South side, iirc.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Henry R32 #3730* on Mon Dec 18 19:32:45 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by andy on Mon Dec 18 09:55:15 2017.* What sucks is it's not to be an island platform. This means that, unless some switching is going on (unlikely, the LIRR isn't that coordinated when they don't have to be), the center track is going to be exclusively for diesel and Ronkonkoma trains. And even then, the diesel trains which stop at Mineola will thus need to be on the local track (for example the one Montauk branch train each way for Chaminade students, and the afternoon HPA-Port Jefferson train that makes all the stops. And oh yeah, every Oyster Bay train stopping on the Westbound platform at all times, brilliant move there).
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Henry R32 #3730* on Mon Dec 18 19:42:16 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Joe V on Mon Dec 18 17:19:27 2017.* South. It lines up with the really long siding that was left over from the Herricks Rd crossing elimination. Judging by the rust on those rails, they've hardly ever used that siding (despite it having 3rd rail). Were they expecting a service involving Merrilon Ave locals?
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Henry R32 #3730* on Mon Dec 18 19:43:37 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Chris R16/R2730 on Mon Dec 18 13:28:43 2017.* Have to agree here. I also think that in the time of this project, Texas will have an operating bullet train.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Joe V* on Mon Dec 18 19:51:22 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Henry R32 #3730 on Mon Dec 18 19:42:16 2017.* They built it expecting a 3rd track when they eliminated.the Herricks Road crossing. That was because of the van/train accident in the early 1980's. The excuse they gave the local NIMBY's was that was to relay the Oyster Bay shuttles. In the 1980's many off-peak Oyster Bay trains were shuttles, and relayed at Queens Village. The first AM rush train today is a remnant of that. Also saves a train set. They could not then admit that was to be the eventual 3rd track, so they lied.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Joe* on Mon Dec 18 20:26:24 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Joe V on Mon Dec 18 19:51:22 2017.* Regarding the Oyster Bay Branch at Mineola, maybe consideration should be given to the problems at Broadway-Myrtle, where a two-track branch leaves a three-track main. A local M train bound for Metropolitan Avenue blocks all three tracks: the track it is on, plus the center track, plus the Manhattan-bound track. There is a chance that the LIRR is counting on relaying Oyster Bay shuttles in the center track west of Mineola, slipping them into Track 1 for the pick-up. However, that would mean that westbound passengers transferring to an Oyster Bay shuttle would have to cross a bridge. -- It looks like an operational mess, plus added grief to the passengers.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Andrew Saucci* on Mon Dec 18 20:43:31 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Henry R32 #3730 on Mon Dec 18 19:32:45 2017.* Mineola really should be two island platforms so that some expresses could stop there too and to make Oyster Bay service work better, but it looks as though they are about to make a stupid mistake that people will needlessly lament for the next 100 years.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Fisk Ave Jim* on Mon Dec 18 21:48:49 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by BILLBKLYN on Mon Dec 18 10:58:18 2017.* I was out in Mineola this past weekend at the train station. To put a third track there will require a ton of work, RR re-scheduling & street disruptions left & right with the grade crossing eliminations, RR realignment for Oyster Bay Trains, mucho time & a boatload of $$$. Good luck!!
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by BrooklynTrain* on Mon Dec 18 22:44:18 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Joe on Mon Dec 18 20:26:24 2017.* What's an Oyster Bay "shuttle"? All Oyster Bay trains I have seen go from Jamaica, to Mineola, then all stops to Oyster Bay. Are you saying they will drop the Jamaica to Mineola portion at all times? Currently that supplemental service is quite helpful when there are large gaps in the Jamaica to Mineola schedule.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by BrooklynTrain* on Mon Dec 18 22:47:04 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Henry R32 #3730 on Mon Dec 18 19:32:45 2017.* If Ronkonkoma trains no longer stop at Mineola (and are put on the center "express" track), that's a massive service cut for a very busy station. Jamaica -> Mineola -> Hicksville is the better compromise.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Henry R32 #3730* on Mon Dec 18 22:52:38 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by BrooklynTrain on Mon Dec 18 22:47:04 2017.* Weekend ones skip Mineola, didn't realize weekday ones stop there. Good to know!
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Henry R32 #3730* on Mon Dec 18 22:56:48 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Joe on Mon Dec 18 20:26:24 2017.* However, that would mean that westbound passengers transferring to an Oyster Bay shuttle would have to cross a bridge. Yup. If anything, once this is all done they'll realize they can't do shuttles anymore because of this. They need to provide time for a theoretical wheelchair handicapped person to cross... and there'll be enough complaints (the OB riders tend to be well connected) that they'll have to run them all to Jamaica, creating massive traffic tie-ups.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Joe* on Tue Dec 19 10:15:17 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by BrooklynTrain on Mon Dec 18 22:44:18 2017.* Thanks to BrooklynTrain for questioning the expression "Oyster Bay Shuttle." The current timetable, effective through February 25, 2018, shows only one such train, number 501, with a T note. It's the first train out of Oyster Bay on a weekday morning. --- I recall more use of shuttles four or five years ago, but that is past history. What is important is that the ease of future riders and operation be considered right now before construction.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Joe V* on Tue Dec 19 17:49:14 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Joe on Mon Dec 18 20:26:24 2017.* They are not going to clog up the center track with Shuttles sitting around, of which there were many back in the 1980's. They used to got to Queens Village. Had they configured it like Hicksville or Babylon, then maybe.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Joe V* on Tue Dec 19 18:11:10 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by BrooklynTrain on Mon Dec 18 22:47:04 2017.* It's really for rush hour zone expresses. Weekend Ronkonkoma trains don't stop there as it is because half hourly Huntington trains do, which are hourly on weekdays. They can't use the express tracks in both directions anyway. They'll stay on he local tracks. Perhaps whatever weekend South Shore diesel jobs take the Main Line will use it.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Andrew Saucci* on Tue Dec 19 22:40:39 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by BrooklynTrain on Mon Dec 18 22:44:18 2017.* They do seem to want to truncate all Oyster Bay trains at Mineola, the same way they want to truncate all Brooklyn trains at Jamaica. I think they are smoking something.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Spider-Pig* on Tue Dec 19 22:45:26 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by GP38/R42 Chris on Mon Dec 18 10:18:17 2017.* The main station house is on the north side and will be unaffected. The secondary station house on the south side will be torn down.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Spider-Pig* on Tue Dec 19 22:47:10 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by andy on Mon Dec 18 09:55:15 2017.* Yes. Look at the Mineola Boulevard overpass and that overpass with the elevators by the bus terminal.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Spider-Pig* on Tue Dec 19 22:50:30 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Bill from Maspeth on Mon Dec 18 11:39:11 2017.* No. At Mineola it will remain at grade. Main Street will either be closed and replaced with a pedestrian overpass, or replaced with a one way underpass. Willis Avenue will get either a one way or two way underpass.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by NIMBYkiller* on Tue Dec 19 23:43:41 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Henry R32 #3730 on Mon Dec 18 19:32:45 2017.* Agreed! So how will OB work now? Will EB OBs have to foul 3 main line tracks now!? That's ridiculous! Or will they go ahead with scootification and have them just arrive and depart from the northernmost track? They should just put it in the current space between the platform and the bus terminal and have OB EB from the middle track.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Joe V* on Wed Dec 20 07:01:50 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Andrew Saucci on Tue Dec 19 22:40:39 2017.* There is no indication of that.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by ftgreeneg* on Wed Dec 20 07:02:53 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Andrew Saucci on Tue Dec 19 22:40:39 2017.* So commuters coming from Brooklyn will have to make 3 transfers for Oyster Bay trains? Ridiculous. Atlantic Terminal which they spent all that money to build will be a ghost town in a couple yrs.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Joe V* on Wed Dec 20 07:05:04 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by NIMBYkiller on Tue Dec 19 23:43:41 2017.* Oyster Bay trains will run on the same track within the station in both directions. It also means they canNOT run shuttles - there would be no place to relay the train. They are not clogging up their express track between Floral Park and Hicksville with these. This is not the Broadway-Jamaica line at Myrtle Avenue where they can lay trains up east of the station if they so choose since it sees no revenue service..
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Bill from Maspeth* on Wed Dec 20 07:38:28 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by NIMBYkiller on Tue Dec 19 23:43:41 2017.* I'm sure there it's already all figured out and there is a track diagram somewhere.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Henry R32 #3730* on Wed Dec 20 19:00:27 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Andrew Saucci on Tue Dec 19 22:40:39 2017.* The proposed configuration actually makes it significantly worse than the current shuttle. Right now it's a same platform transfer. With this, it's an up and over transfer eastbound. Dumb.
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Henry R32 #3730* on Wed Dec 20 22:35:25 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Bill from Maspeth on Wed Dec 20 07:38:28 2017.* It is. The diagram shows the dumbness (grey lines are tracks being removed):
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Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project
Posted by Bill from Maspeth* on Thu Dec 21 06:49:01 2017, in response to Re: Latest News from the LIRR Expansion Project, posted by Henry R32 #3730 on Wed Dec 20 22:35:25 2017.* ok, thanks.
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