New Cassel – Highlights on Upcoming Construction

New Cassel:

The LIRR Expansion Project from Floral Park to Hicksville, one of the region’s most significant transportation infrastructure projects, is now underway throughout the communities along a nearly ten mile stretch of mainline track.

During the month of June, you will see construction crews performing work in New Cassel. Specifically, there will be crews performing soil stability surveys; digging test pits to locate existing underground utilities; taking geographic surveys of the roads around and near the rail road; and conducting pre-construction inspections of the existing conditions of structures surrounding worksites. Along the right-of-way, crews will dig test pits to locate existing underground utilities. By way of explanation:

Soil Stability Survey

• Soil stability surveys provide a more in-depth view of the composition of the soil
• The equipment used is a drill-rig truck
• The drilling rig takes soil samples from down to a depth of 50 feet
• Samples are then sent to a laboratory for review, evaluation and testing
• The results of the surveys/tests allow for the design team to determine what methods, material and design they can incorporate into Third Track construction

Cone Penetration Testing (CPT)

• CPT provides an effective way to see the composition of the soil in a particular area
• Enclosed inside of a box truck, electronic equipment takes electronic/sonar readings
• CPT takes less time, allowing for tests to be run at multiple locations in one day
• The results of the surveys/tests allow for the design team to determine what methods, material and design they can incorporate into the project

Existing Roadway Surveys

• A specially equipped van is driven to specific points to video and photograph the condition of the existing roadways, prior to construction beginning
• The survey is conducted to ensure the roadways are protected in the unlikely event of any damage

Existing Structure Surveys

• Property located within a specified radius of anticipated construction work requires a pre-construction photo inspection
• The survey is conducted to ensure the property is protected in the unlikely event of any damage
• Vibranalysis Inc., an independent consulting firm, will perform the survey
• Inspection consists of photographs and written documentation, recording the existing conditions of the interiors and exteriors of the structures surrounding the site

Existing Underground Utilities Identification

• Along Urban Avenue and in the LIRR right-of-way, to ensure community and worker safety, crews will dig test pits to locate existing underground utilities

Underground Utility Relocation

• Along Urban Avenue, between Broadway and Main Street, the construction team will relocate the sewer line
• While traffic will be impacted, the construction team will provide cones, flagmen and signage at the work site, as needed, to minimize interruptions