Community Corner

MTA Unveils Double Track Environmental Study

Environmental report says no serious or long-term impact on surrounding communities.

The MTA and LIRR have announced the recent release of its Environmental Assessment (EA) in regards to the planned double-track project that is slated to add another lane of tracks stretching from Ronkonkoma to Farmingdale train stations. 

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

"LIRR would like to thank the elected officials, residents, civic groups, the business community and commuters who participated in the process, visited the Double Track information centers, and provided comments on the project," reads a one-sheet brochure announcing the report's release.

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 Islip, Brookhaven and Babylon Town Halls. 

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  

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 installed on the Ronkonkoma Branch. According to the LIRR, this project has become 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 between the two stations. 


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