(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory today joined officials from the MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) in driving the first spike of a second track between the Ronkonkoma and Farmingdale stations. The second track will allow for increased service on the Ronkonkoma branch, with trains running in both directions every 30 minutes during off-peak hours.
“Investing in our infrastructure is crucial to easing traffic congestion,” said Presiding Officer Gregory. “Additionally, the Double Track Project will create jobs and boost our economy, while making the commute to the city more convenient. If we are to keep our young people on Long Island, we must make it easier for them to get here. My colleagues and I look forward to our continued partnership with the LIRR as we work to improve our transit system, which will in turn improve our quality of life.”
Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory, at podium, today joined MTA Long Island Rail Road officials in driving the first spike of a second track between the Ronkonkoma and Farmingdale stations. Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine, left, and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, center, look on. Photo Credit: Suffolk County.
“The 4-mile stretch between Ronkonkoma and Central Islip is the first leg of the Double Track Project that will ultimately bring half-hourly, off-peak service to the Ronkonkoma branch, improve service reliability and support economic growth by constructing a second track of 18 miles to Farmingdale,” said LIRR President Patrick A. Nowakowski. “When complete, east and westbound trains will operate simultaneously between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma. This will mean better reverse peak service to help spur the growth of employment centers on Long Island.”
The Suffolk County Legislature last month approved a comprehensive master plan that calls for the construction of double track projects, as well as for transit-oriented developments around LIRR stations. For more information on the Ronkonkoma Branch Double Track Project, visit the MTA website. To read the master plan in its entirety, visit the Suffolk County Legislature website.
