During October, crews will continue construction activities in Garden City:
Nassau Boulevard Bridge Replacement
Work continues on the Nassau Boulevard Bridge Replacement Project, ahead of the planned reopening of Nassau Boulevard on Tuesday, Oct. 8. In the Merillon Avenue station parking lot and on the northwest side of the Nassau Boulevard roadway, crews from 3TC are finishing construction on the new three-bay bridge structure. During the next Main Line double track outage, over the weekend of Oct. 4 through 7, the existing bridge was removed and the newly built, three-bay bridge structure was be rolled in. Replacement of the Nassau Boulevard Bridge is expected to be complete in less than three months. To achieve this rapid timeline, there will be temporary detours for drivers and pedestrians. To prepare for and execute the “roll-in” of the new bridge, Visit mta.info/lirr for more information and travel alternatives.
Nassau 1 Interlocking
The project includes substantial improvements to the Nassau 1 Interlocking, where trains switch from track-to-track at junctions or crossings. Work during October, which includes overnight and weekend work, will feature LIRR crews working along the right-of-way to elevate the track bed to meet the new height that will come with the new Nassau Boulevard Bridge. LIRR work trains will deliver ballast; LIRR work trains and crews will tamp down the delivered ballast. During the overnight work, LIRR crews will be out in force and to maintain their safety, lights, flag personnel and other precautions will be deployed.
Replacement Parking For Merillon Ave Station And Nassau Boulevard Bridge Work
Portions of the parking lot at the Merillon Avenue station continue to be utilized by the construction team. Replacement parking is provided north of the Merillon Avenue station, along Broadway, between County Courthouse Road and Herricks Road, on the south side of the street. In coordination with the Town of North Hempstead, parking restrictions will be lifted for the duration of these project activities. Once the bridge replacement is complete, the majority of the parking spaces will be returned to service.
New Hyde Park Road Traffic Alteration
As a result of feedback from emergency service personnel and elected officials in New Hyde Park and Garden City/Garden City Park, traffic along New Hyde Park Road, south of the tracks, will be modified. A barrier is installed at the intersection with Clinch Avenue. In consultation with elected officials from New Hyde Park, for vehicles traveling northbound on New Hyde Park Road, at the intersection with Fourth Avenue, note the new “Don’t Block the Box” signage. For vehicles traveling southbound on New Hyde Park Road, the new barrier prevents left turns onto southbound Clinch Avenue. For vehicles traveling northbound on Clinch Avenue, the new barrier prevents left turns onto southbound New Hyde Park Road. Signage is in place in and around the intersection to ensure driver and pedestrian safety.
New Hyde Park Road Grade Crossing Elimination Project
The at-grade crossing is being reconstructed to feature a new, five-lane underpass with pedestrian sidewalks on the east and west sides of the underpass. There will also be a dedicated left-turn lane from southbound New Hyde Park Road to Clinch Avenue. Plaza Avenue west between Herkomer Street and New Hyde Park Road will be realigned and become a two-way street to improve traffic flow associated with the new signal being installed at New Hyde Park Road and Plaza Avenue. This reconstructed grade crossing was designed in conjunction with the Village of New Hyde Park and the Village of Garden City. Soldier piles on New Hyde Park Road are being drilled to support the formation of the retaining wall required for excavation. Sections of soldier piles are installed by vibratory hammers, in sequence, forming the wall for earth support. This activity may require intermittent changes to the traffic patterns along New Hyde Park Road.
Merillon Avenue Station Enhancement
The western halves of the platform on the north and south sides of the tracks have been rebuilt and reopened. Temporary platforms have been installed to accommodate six-car station access. Similar to the work seen and heard during September, construction crews in October will: Continue to excavate the area and set pre-cast footings and rebar, and pour piers. Following the successful completion of the work, crews will begin to build the permanent platform. Signage will be displayed to alert commuters of the ongoing construction activities. To board/exit trains at Merillon Avenue station, please be prepared to board and exit all trains (westbound and eastbound) from the first six cars. Once this project element is completed, the new platforms will accommodate 12-car trains, instead of limited to the 10-car train lengths today.
—Submitted by the Village of Garden City
