The long-awaited renovation of the Mastic-Shirley Train Station will begin this week with renovations to the existing sidewalks, followed by the building of a new plaza and waiting area this spring. Platform improvements will start in June.
Commuters can expect some disruptions as bicycle racks will be unavailable, and 11 parking spots will be out of service, according to officials with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which manages the Long Island Rail Road. The project, which will take place in phases and take about a year to be totally completed, also includes modification of the sidewalk on the eastern side of the station building and upgrades to the existing ADA ramp, as well as new signage and refinished railings.
“Hats off to the railroad and the MTA for getting this project going,” said Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, who represents the area in Albany. “Long Islanders deserve upgraded facilities and better service.”
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| Robert Chartuk |
“This will be a welcomed and much-needed improvement,” Senator Dean Murray said of the station upgrades. “Thanks go out to the elected officials and community members who kept pushing for this project.”
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine has listed the electrification of the line as one of his priorities for the $1 trillion federal infrastructure fund. Romaine said he would also like to see a new station in East Yaphank to relieve pressure on Mastic-Shirley and reduce commuter traffic.
Local officials said they would reach out to the MTA to coordinate the timing of the gates at William Floyd Parkway so they’re not down when the train is at the station, a situation that causes heavy traffic tie-ups, especially during rush hour.