LIRR to install new rail bridge at site of deadly 2019 accident
Written by RT&S Staff
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) will be constructing a bridge over the weekend, and the agency also hopes it will be demolishing some tragic memories.
Crews will be installing a new rail bridge at School Street in Westbury, which when it was an at-grade crossing was the site of several train vs. car accidents, including a fatal one last year. The bridge will span a two-lane underpass for vehicle traffic.
The project will create massive delays on LIRR branches, including the Huntington, Port Jefferson and Ronkonkoma lines.
The fatal accident on Feb. 26, 2019, accelerated the bridge project. Original plans called for the replacement to be part of LIRR’s $2.6 billion third track construction between Floral Park and Hicksville. Between 2007 and 2017 there were six fatal accidents at the School Street crossing.
The Third Track project is eliminating eight grade crossings, including School Street. The bridge will be the fourth new one of the project.
“The project will strengthen the reliability of LIRR infrastructure and support the growth and development of Long Island and the wider region and will enhance safety and provide for a quieter and more livable community along the railroad,” said LIRR in a statement.
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