MTA announces nearly $10 million Lynbrook LIRR station overhaul

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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has announced plans to invest nearly $10 million to upgrade the Lynbrook Long Island Railroad train station, which is in need of a significant overhaul.

“It’s been overdue and the residents know that as well,” Lynbrook Mayor Bill Hendrick said. “I’m glad that it’s finally being done. We worked very hard to get this done.”

Many issues have plagued the Lynbrook station, which has been operating for nearly 80 years. The problems include leaky roofs on the platform overhangs that cause flooding, craters on the platform floors, which often get filled with ice during the winter, chipped paint and outdated floors, walls and staircases — all of which are in need of repairs. Earlier this month, Hendrick said he also has heard numerous complaints about homeless people sleeping and urinating in the current waiting rooms.

MTA spokesman Aaron Donovan said in a statement that many of these issues would be addressed under the MTA’s Capital Program, which is scheduled to complete renovations to multiple stations from 2015-19.

“As part of the record MTA Capital Program secured by Governor Cuomo, the LIRR will invest nearly $10 million to overhaul the Lynbrook station and make preventative repairs to the elevated rail structure in and around the station,” he said. “Customers at Lynbrook will benefit from a new, translucent canopy, brighter LED lighting, security cameras and new platform waiting rooms and signage, among other improvements.”

Hendrick said he worked closely with State Sen. Todd Kaminsky and Assemblyman Brian Curran to raise awareness of the dismal conditions that the Lynbrook station is in. Earlier this month, representatives of the MTA said they had plans in the works to improve the Lynbrook station, but they were not revealed until recently.

Kaminsky has emphasized the importance of improving the Lynbrook station before an incident occurs.

"In light of the high level of ridership at the Lynbrook train station, as well as the hefty fares commuters pay, an overhaul of that station is long overdue,” he said. “This is why I have fought to make the Lynbrook station a priority. Government works best when we make changes before serious accidents happen, not after — and I am hopeful that will be the case here."