3rd Track Constructors (3TC) is making major progress on the LIRR Expansion Project from Floral Park to Hicksville, one of the region’s most significant transportation infrastructure projects. As part of the overall project, continued utility pole relocation work is taking place in several communities over the coming months.
Contractor crews already have begun overnight work setting these permanent utility poles along the right-of-way. This work is expected to last several months and requires heavy construction equipment, including the presence of large trucks, and may lead to periods of noise and disruption while underway.
This marks the final piece of utility work that began more than a year ago with the removal of the original wooden poles, followed by the placement of temporary poles outside the railroad right-of-way. The new permanent utility poles will be a combination of wooden and steel structures and will improve the overall resiliency of the system. While some new poles are taller than existing poles, we are addressing the visual impact by placing a majority of the poles behind walls. This streamlined approach will eliminate the “spaghetti” appearance of the hanging wires and provide a far more efficient layout of these public utilities.
1. What’s happening?
Construction crews from EJ Electric will begin to dig holes and install steel and wooden poles along the right-of-way. Once the poles are installed, crews will be able to safely relocate cables from temporary poles to the permanent poles.
2. Why is this work so loud?
Heavy construction equipment, including vacuum trucks, cranes, bucket trucks, and more, are needed for this work. If you’re curious about what the finished poles will look like in your community, examples can be seen, already installed, along the right-of-way in both Mineola and Carle Place.
3. Are you monitoring for noise and vibration?
Yes. 3TC is contractually committed to performing ongoing environmental monitoring. We are currently monitoring for air quality, vibration levels, and noise levels. In addition, MTA C&D-LIRR has environmental inspectors spot-checking the work site on a regular basis. 3TC has an “alert” system in place to notify the team prior to anticipated exceedances. Upon receipt of an alert, additional measures can be implemented.
There is a difference between noise and vibration levels that are noticeable and those that exceed regulatory thresholds. In other words, just because noise and vibration levels are below the applicable standards doesn’t mean the work will not be disruptive to your daily routine. We understand the implications of this work and are trying to complete it as quickly as possible.
4. Can you do anything else to reduce the noise and vibration?
Yes. 3TC continually re-evaluates its construction techniques and inspects its equipment to minimize adverse effects to the surrounding community. Your feedback is important and we welcome your inquiries and suggestions.
We recognize that these activities may be disruptive to you and your neighbors. The goal is to complete the work, in as short a time frame as possible, while maintaining safe and reliable operations. As always, please visit our website at www.LIRRExpansion.com for more information about the project. To stay informed about the LIRR Expansion Project, make sure to register for updates at – https://lirrexpansion.com/register-for-updates/. If you have an immediate question about the work in your community, please email us at communityoutreach@LIRRExpansion.com or call the project’s 24-hour Hotline at 516.203.4955.
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