MTA opens second section of new LIRR third track

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority yesterday announced the opening of the 2.5-mile second section of the Long Island Rail Road’s new Main Line third track between Merillon Avenue and Mineola stations.

Third-track construction between Floral Park and Hicksville began in 2018 as part of the LIRR Main Line Expansion Project, a multibillion-dollar investment in the railroad's modernization. The third track will provide bi-directional LIRR service that will provide increased access to entertainment and employment centers, MTA LIRR officials said in a press release.

"Extending the third track to Mineola means customers along the Ronkonkoma, Port Jefferson/Huntington and Oyster Bay branches will see faster and more reliable service," said LIRR Interim President Catherine Rinaldi.

The overall expansion project also includes the opening of LIRR service at Grand Central Madison station this year, located beneath Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. When combined with the new Manhattan service, the railroad will be able to run 45% more service and reduce delays along the Port Jefferson, Ronkonkoma and Oyster Bay branches, all of which run through Mineola Station. The station is one of the top-10 busiest LIRR stations, MTA LIRR officials said.

The first section of the new third track — a 3-mile stretch between the Floral Park and Merillon Avenue stations — opened Aug. 15.