MTA awards design-build contract for major LIRR project

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) board yesterday approved a $1.8 billion design-build contract with 3rd Track Constructors (3TC) for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) expansion project.

A joint venture, 3TC includes Dragados USA Inc., John P. Picone Inc., CCA Civil Inc., Halmar International LLC, Stantec and Cameron Engineering.

The project — which involves capital expansion and state-of-good-repair work — calls for adding a third track to LIRR’s busiest corridor, enhancing stations, installing new signal equipment and switches, improving seven bridges and eliminating seven grade crossings. The 9.8-mile third track will be installed within existing right of way on a mainline between Floral Park and Hicksville that handles more than 250 trains on a typical weekday and is used by 40 percent of LIRR riders.

The project will “unlock the full potential” of existing LIRR modernization initiatives, including the East Side Access and Jamaica capacity improvement projects, and double-track work, MTA officials said in a press release.

“This modernization initiative will provide faster commuting with a more reliable network, and will allow us to keep the railroad in a state of good repair,” said MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota. “All too often, major delays on the LIRR are tied to incidents along this corridor. With this investment, Long Islanders and New York City residents alike will be able to avoid the crippling and cascading delays that affect the entire network.”

The MTA also awarded a $100 million contract to Arup – Jacobs Joint Venture for project management consulting services associated with the third-track project. The total cost for the LIRR expansion project is estimated at $2.6 billion and completion is anticipated by late 2022. Substantial construction is expected to begin in late 2018.