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LIRR Modernisation: A USD5.6 billion rehabilitation of America’s largest commuter rail network [free access]

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), which commenced operations in 1834, is the most extensive regional rail system in the United States. It is owned and operated by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and provides service between Manhattan and Long Island in the south-eastern region of New York state.

Although the LIRR reported a record annual ridership of 87.6 million passengers in 2015, in recent years it has faced a range of problems, including faulty equipment, increased train delays, and technical failures due to outdated infrastructure. In an effort to improve the quality of service, the Governor of New York launched an ambitious modernisation programme in 2017 to provide a much-needed impetus to several renovation, replacement, and expansion projects that had been in the pipeline for many years.

Current network

The system comprises two trunk lines (the Main Line and Montauk Branches) and nine branch lines, which operate out of three terminals in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Table 1 provides a snapshot of the current LIRR operational network.

Table 1: Current LIRR network

Source: MTA - http://web.mta.info/mta/network.htm#statslirr

The LIRR has the highest average weekday ridership of any commuter rail system in North America and is one of the few commuter rail systems in the world that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Deteriorating quality of service

Constant delays

Over the last two years, LIRR service has been plagued by repeated delays and cancellations. According to a report released by the New York State Comptroller, in 2017 the LIRR posted its worst annual on-time performance figures in over two decades. Over the course of the year, around 21,400 trains were either late, cancelled, or terminated before reaching their final destination, an increase of nearly 20 per cent over the 2016 figures.

Outdated infrastructure

A major reason for the poor quality of service is the outdated infrastructure and obsolete technology on which the LIRR network depends. Frequent technical failures have led to escalating maintenance costs and have contributed to several train cancellations. LIRR officials identified the consolidation and centralisation of signalling operations in one location and the deployment of computerised train control as priority measures to improve service. However, lack of funding meant that the plans were never implemented. For instance, the MTA’s USD33 billion 2015–2019 Capital Program only earmarked USD10 million for the project, well short of the required USD120 million.

LIRR Modernisation programme

In July 2017, the Governor of New York, in collaboration with the MTA, state officials, and Long Island communities, announced a USD5.6 billion plan to modernise and expand the LIRR network.

Projects

The plan is part of New York’s USD100 billion infrastructure programme and includes around 100 projects covering system expansion, replacements and renovation, track improvements, and infrastructure modernisation. Table 2 provides a list of key projects included in the plan.

Table 2: Key projects under the LIRR Modernisation programme

*NA – Not available

Source: http://www.amodernli.com/projects/

Recent developments

• In November 2018, the MTA acquired the Grand Central Terminal, the Harlem Line, and the Hudson Line for USD35 million. The acquisition provided the MTA with greater control in developing the East Side Access station, which is being built beneath Grand Central. Additionally, New York State senators allocated USD40 million in funds to modernise the LIRR’s signal and communications system.
• In September 2018, construction work commenced on the Main Line Third Track (LIRR Expansion) project.

Contracts awarded recently

• In November 2018, Skanska USA Civil Northeast secured a USD60.2 million contract for the East Side Access project. The scope of work includes excavation of 15,000 cubic yards of soil, removal of a tunnel-boring machine, and relocation of tracks in Harold Interlocking in Queens.
• In February 2018, the MTA selected Stantec as the lead engineer for the Main Line Third Track (LIRR Expansion) project.
• In December 2017, the 3rd Track Constructors (3TC) consortium secured the USD1.8 billion design–build contract for the Main Line Third Track (LIRR Expansion) project. The consortium comprises Dragados USA, John P. Picone Incorporated, CCA Civil Incorporated, Halmar International LLC, Stantec, Cameron Engineering, and Rubenstein Associates.

 Going forward

The modernisation programme represents the first consolidated effort to modernise the country’s largest commuter rail system in many years. It has provided a fresh impetus to efforts by politicians and LIRR officials to renovate the ailing network, which has led to the completion of projects like the Double Track between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma in September 2018, 14 months ahead of schedule.