Major MTA LIRR signal modernization project In Valley Stream
Written by jrood
Train service on five MTA Long Island Rail Road South Shore branches will be affected during the weekend of October 24 and 25 as work is completed on a major signal and switch modernization project in the Valley Stream area. The work will require a 48-hour suspension of train service through Valley Stream. Customers using the Babylon, Montauk, Far Rockaway, Long Beach and West Hempstead Branches will take buses for all or part of their trips and other trains will be diverted. To avoid delays, customers are advised to use North Shore branches this weekend. Unaffected lines include the Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Port Jefferson, Port Washington and Ronkonkoma (west of Ronkonkoma) Branches.
The Valley Interlocking
Signal Cutover Project brings state-of- the-art technology to this critical
LIRR location by replacing the early 20th century relay-based signal technology
with a modern microprocessor based system. In addition, 30 switches in the area
were modernized with electronic components replacing the outdated mechanical
ones. The cost of the project is approximately $60 million. Funding is provided
by the MTA LIRR Capital Improvement Program and the Federal Transit
Administration.
"This weekend outage
is needed as part of our ongoing effort to modernize the LIRR’s signal system,
which controls train traffic," said LIRR President Helena Williams.
"When it is completed it will mean fewer maintenance-related delays and
better service for our customers."
