New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has proposed a $5.7bn investment for Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) in its proposed 2020-2024 Capital Plan.
The proposed capital plan will cover track, station improvements, signals and switches, as well as rolling stock. This will help modernise LIRR for the opening of East Side Access and Main Line expansion by December 2022.
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LIRR president Phil Eng said: “The modernisation of the LIRR that has begun in recent years will continue under this programme.
“Not only will it enable us to continue to accelerate our system-wide core improvements to service safety, accessibility, reliability and comfort, it will enable us to sustain and grow Long Island’s economy and quality of life for the entire region.”
MTA has allocated $1bn for track upgrades, including installation of concrete ties and continuous welded rail.
Around $910m will be spent on station accessibility and improvement programmes. The project will construct seven additional stations accessible in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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By GlobalDataReplacements such as platform, elevator and escalator will also be delivered to more than 20 stations.
As a part of its Forward Plan to renew infrastructure and train reliability, LIRR has set aside $364m to replace a certain percentage of switches, track circuits and grade crossing equipment.
The railroad will also acquire 160 M9A electric cars, 20 coaches and more than ten locomotives to operate in the non-electrified territory.
Furthermore, $4.7bn will be used to allow Metro-North to provide New Haven Line access to Penn Station through four new Bronx stations, substitute M3 rail cars, stations upgrade and the Grand Central Terminal train shed and Park Avenue tunnel and viaduct replacement.
Metro-North Railroad president Catherine Rinaldi said: “The proposed 2020-2024 Capital Program will allow Metro-North to continue its aggressive programmes to upgrade its ageing infrastructure and to improve the customer experience.
“Under this plan, we will begin the replacement of the Park Avenue Viaduct, one of the most significant construction projects in the history of the MTA. It also includes additional funding for the Penn Access project, which will enhance our network by creating a Metro-North connection between the East Bronx and Penn Station.”
