Long Island Rail Road to overhaul Massapequa Station

MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) on Friday kicked off a $40 million construction project designed to modernize Massapequa Station.

During the next two years, LIRR will replace the platform, canopy, staircases, elevator and escalator, as well as the platform waiting room, lighting, public address system and signage, railroad officials said in a press release.

In addition, LIRR crews will install a pocket track east of the station to improve train service, frequency and on-board seat availability.

The project calls for the biggest improvements to the station since 1953, when it was raised from street level, LIRR officials said. The project will be completed in three phases to keep the trains running without interruption, although some schedule changes may be necessary, they said.

"This station rehabilitation project is part of the MTA's ongoing commitment to Long Island and will benefit thousands of customers who depend on the LIRR to get them to work," said MTA Interim Executive Director Thomas Prendergast.