Covert Avenue Grade Crossing Elimination

Crews from 3rd Track Constructors and MTA-LIRR will be out in force in New Hyde Park this coming weekend, August 23 to 26, to "push" in the bridge structure for the Covert Avenue Grade Crossing Elimination.

If you live in or have traveled in and around New Hyde Park, you are likely aware the construction teams have been at work in the area since a segment of Covert Avenue was closed in April 2019. The newly configured roadway will include a two-lane underpass for vehicular traffic (with a pedestrian sidewalk on the east side) and a three-track overpass for rail service.

To complete this project element and to minimize disruption to the community and commuters, crews will work around the clock this weekend, meaning that you will see an increase in the number of personnel on site, lights utilized to ensure everyone's safety, and you will likely hear crews and machinery.

Exactly What's Happening

The construction team will "push" in the new Covert Avenue bridge structure, similar to what was done at Urban Avenue in New Cassel (see the video of the time-lapse of the work).

To prepare for and execute the "push" of the new bridge, there will be no train service between New Hyde Park and Hicksville (in both directions), beginning in the late evening on Friday, August 23 and lasting through early morning, Monday, August 26.

Several LIRR Main Line stations will be closed, and there will be significant LIRR service changes during this weekend's work. 

About Street Closures

Covert Avenue, from 1st Avenue and Wayne Avenue, remains closed. The detour plan, designed to make navigating around the closure as easy as possible, is still in effect. Businesses along Covert Avenue will remain accessible throughout construction.

At-grade railroad crossings have been problematic throughout the LIRR's 185-year history, causing noise, safety and traffic concerns. The elimination of the eight at-grade crossings as part of the LIRR Expansion Project will bring immediate benefits in terms of improved service reliability, a safer and uninterrupted flow of traffic and reduced noise from train horns and gates.

Should you have any questions, email the project or call the 24-hour Hotline at 516-203-4955.