MTA advances security upgrades, rehabilitation projects on LIRR

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) yesterday announced two projects across the MTA Long Island Rail Road system.

MTA will install panoramic cameras and deploy drone technology across LIRR stations, yards and grade crossings to improve security and save money, agency officials said in a press release. The new panoramic cameras will replace multiple traditional cameras with single units. LIRR recently reduced one stations project's camera count by 36% by implementing panoramic units, resulting in savings of more than $51,000 for the project.

The LIRR will integrate drones to capture asset counts, measurements and imagery for project planning and grant applications. Drone-enabled grid scans can reveal areas lacking protection and help guide security recommendations, MTA officials said. 

The MTA also initiated the design phase of a rehabilitation project at the Port Washington LIRR station. The project includes the reconstruction of ramps, curb cuts, sidewalks and ADA parking as well as architectural upgrades to the station building. Crews will replace the station roof, plaza canopy, platforms, platform canopies and platform substructure, pedestrian overpass, elevators, stairs and ADA ramp. There will be additional upgrades to communication systems, LED lighting and security cameras.

The Port Washington project also will extend two nearby yard tracks to increase yard capacity and allow LIRR to store and operate more trains out of Port Washington. Crews will rehabilitate the trainmen's building, upgrade the employee facility and parking, and make improvements to LIRR Yard, S. Boyles and Havens Avenue parking lots, MTA officials said.