LIRR: Double Track Project Will Have Minimal Environmental Impact

As the MTA and Long Island Rail Road move forward with its double-track project on the Ronkonkoma branch, which includes the Deer Park station, an Environmental Assessment on the proposal has been made available to the public.

The EA purports to examine the potential environmental strain that the project would have on the immediate area. The report concludes that no significant environmental impact would result from the project. 

The Double-Track Project aims to add a second line of tracks for 12.6 miles between Ronkonkoma and Farmingdale. The second track would marry up to the existing 5.3 miles of double electrified track already on the Ronkonkoma Branch.

According to information from the LIRR, when complete the double track project will increase train service to employment centers on Long Island and in New York City and benefit new residential and commercial development around train stations, including Deer Park and Wyandanch.

LIRR officials also noted that this project is necessary because of the increasing volume of riders. The agency believes the added track would cut down on delays, allow greater flexibility, and provide more off-peak service. 

The study was conducted as per state law under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). The assessment considered such potential hazards as air quality, noise, vibrations, traffic and natural resources. 

Copies of the EA are available to the public. Anyone interested in reading the report can do so electronically at www.mta.info/lirr/doubletrack. Hard copies of the report are available at Babylon Town Hall. 

Public comments on the EA are also available by law for a 30-day period. Anyone wishing to make comments on the report must do so by August 12. Comments can be made in writing through post or email, sent to:

Hector Garcia
Main Line Double Track Project
MTA Long Island Rail Road, MC 1131
Jamaica Station Building
Jamaica, NY 11435
hgarcia@lirr.org