State Sen. Monica R. Martinez announced today that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has been awarded nearly $7.5 million in federal funding to prepare grade crossing elimination concepts along three heavily trafficked Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) crossings in her district.  

The grant will fund planning and preliminary design for crossings at Straight Path, Wicks Avenue/Fifth Avenue, and Lowell Avenue along the LIRR's Ronkonkoma Branch.  Development of a project will be coordinated with the New York State Department of Transportation.  Funding is being made available through the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program, a competitive $1.1 billion federal initiative that supports safety infrastructure improvements at railroad crossings across the nation.  Funds are available for projects that build overpasses or underpasses to eliminate motor vehicle/train intersections, upgrade safety technology, relocate tracks, or educate Americans on railroad safety.

Within the Fourth Senatorial District, the three grade crossings included in this award are a hot-button issue for residents who are often delayed by passing trains, which impacts both motorists and emergency responders.  The LIRR’s Main Line, which includes the Ronkonkoma Branch, is estimated to carry in excess of 120 weekday passenger trains in addition to rail freight.  Combined, more than 63,000 vehicles use these at-grade crossings per day, with Wicks Avenue/Fifth Avenue ranking among the top five busiest on Long Island at over 35,000 vehicles daily.  These sites are all located within developed communities that include nearby passenger rail stations, signalized intersections, and regional roadways that often experience congestion as a result of rail passage.

“With each train’s crossing comes an inconvenience, and in emergency situations, a threat to those who are slowed from getting the critical help they need,” said Sen. Martinez.  “I am thrilled the Federal Railroad Administration has chosen to support this necessary first stage of the process.  This investment will address longstanding community concerns while providing significant benefits to the residents of Suffolk County.  I thank our federal partners for choosing this important investment in our region and nation’s critical transportation infrastructure.”

The award will allow for the planning and environmental review work needed to evaluate and prepare long-term grade separation solutions that will improve safety, mobility, and connectivity in Suffolk County. Additionally, it builds on prior coordination and investments made along this corridor and will provide the foundation needed to implement these vital grade crossing eliminations.