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MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) has awarded a $6.95 million contract to a Gannett Fleming and AECOM joint venture that will assist in the environmental review process for adding a third track to the railroad's Main Line, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced yesterday.

The contract calls for the development of initial conceptual engineering designs within the existing right-of-way between the Floral Park and Hicksville stations, where the third track will be constructed. The companies also will be charged with identifying community benefits from the project and ways to mitigate adverse impacts during construction, LIRR officials said in a press release.

LIRR and the Gannett Fleming/AECOM team will hold public hearings, accept formal public comment and issue an environmental impact statement for the project.

Adding a third track is expected to increase capacity while allowing trains to pass disabled equipment and avoid track and signal problems, LIRR officials said. The project also will allow for "reverse-peak" service and support planned service growth in the future as LIRR begins service to Grand Central Terminal.