Ronkonkoma, NY - July 29, 2015 - MTA Long Island Rail Road today made public a study that assesses the potential environmental impact of its proposed Mid-Suffolk Yard / Ronkonkoma Yard Expansion Project, which would enlarge the LIRR’s existing Ronkonkoma electric train yard just east of Ronkonkoma Station on land already owned by the MTA.
The document explains the site-selection process undertaken by the LIRR and offers the Railroad’s evaluation of the potential environmental impacts of the project.
The 37-acre project site, located along Railroad Avenue in the Town of Islip, is part of the approximately 100-acre Ronkonkoma Transportation Complex, which includes the Ronkonkoma train station, Main Line tracks, extensive parking facilities, the existing Ronkonkoma Yard, a materials storage area, sound walls and related facilities.
The larger train yard is needed to support the increase in AM Peak and PM Peak ridership that is anticipated will be traveling to both Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal when the MTA LIRR’s East Side Access project is up and running in 2022. The Railroad is planning to expand its electric train fleet with new M-9 rail cars to meet that demand.
Proposed Action
The proposed action would enlarge the existing Ronkonkoma Yard with a new lead track and eleven additional tracks for the storage and servicing of LIRR commuter trains of up to twelve cars in length. An additional four-car track dedicated to repair work be built adjacent to a new two-car Emergency Shed. Also, a new employee facility would replace an existing facility.
LIRR Public Outreach Continues
The Long Island Rail Road began the public outreach process in November 2014 including mailings to nearby homes, newspaper notices and a two-day public open house on January 29 and January 30, 2014 at Ronkonkoma Station. The LIRR also conducted briefings about its plans for key stakeholders such as community groups and local elected officials and established a website here.
LIRR President Patrick A. Nowakowski said: “The Long Island Rail Road has been committed to including the community in the process, understanding their concerns and being responsive to their issues and questions.”
Nowakowski said the Draft Environmental Assessment and its appendices can be found online here. Through September 4, members of the public have an opportunity to comment on the study. Comments can be directed by regular mail, email or telephone to:
Hector Garcia
Mid-Suffolk Yard/ Ronkonkoma Yard Expansion Project
MTA Long Island Rail Road, MC 1131
Jamaica Station Building
Jamaica, NY 11435
hgarcia@lirr.org
718-558-7305
After the public comment period, LIRR will respond to the comments and finalize the draft environmental document.