MTA’s Babylon Station Renovation Project Begins
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Work has begun on MTA’s Babylon Station on its Babylon Branch.
(MTA/ Donald Staats)
NEW YORK CITY - The MTA announced an accessibility upgrade and station renovation project at LIRR's Babylon station.
According to the release, Babylon station is one of three in LIRR ADA Package 2. The other two stations are Forest Hills and Hollis. Located as a major connection point for eastern Long Island and Mon talk, Babylon Station is the terminal station on the Babylon Branch.
Phase 1 construction started in September when the western end of the platform is closed, and the construction schedule is structured as such to avoid the summer ridership at its peak. The project is expected to enter Phase 2 in September 2025 when the eastern end of the platform closes. At that time, the new western end will open.
The construction upgrades include installing two new ADA-compliant elevators, rehabilitating the two existing elevators, replacing the two escalators and two center island platforms, and replacing the platform canopy and platform lighting. Crews will also install “an automated snow and ice melting system that will keep the platform free of snow and ice during winter storms,” and make upgrades to the station plaza. These station plaza upgrades include new concrete pavers, new lighting, and updated signage. Other improvements will take place, such as the “reconfiguration and improvement of parking in conformation with requirement of the Americans with Disabilities Act, including new curb cuts,” and replacing and refurbishing eight existing stairwells. So far, the design and survey work has been ongoing since the awarding of contracts. On September 14th, demolition work began on the platform and canopy.
Images courtesy of MTA / Donald Staats
MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer said, “Innovative delivery methods like contract building and design-build allow us to deliver projects faster, better, and cheaper. . . These major improvements will improve passenger circulation and create a more welcoming station environment for Babylon’s 5,000 daily riders.”
LIRR President Rob Free said, “Babylon station is a major LIRR hub where thousands of people each day use it as their home station or as a transfer point to/from Montauk Branch which is especially busy during the summer. . . A station that is fully accessible to everyone with the most modern amenities available creates a customer experience that is second to none.”
