Bridging The Gap: Making Local Train Travel Safer

Amidst recent reports of perpetuating problems, one Long Island town is getting backing on their stand against putting their residents at risk.

According to officials the Metropolitan Transportation Authority fully supports a local civic organization’s proposal to shut down the Syosset train station and replace it with a new one to be built nearby.

This, as part of a conscious effort to reduce the amount of gap-related accidents.

One MTA official states that he plans on backing the bill, as part of a proposal for a More Beautiful Syosset, but only if the town of Oyster Bay shows support as well. And, Town Supervisor noted he suggested a feasibility study.

The town supervisor noted that while he is in favor of the measure, he is not supporting moving the problem to another location.

They Syosset station has been sited in at least 36 gap-related accidents since 1989 and has ranked seventh of the 123 LIRR stations with regard to gap issues and incidents, a higher rating that other stations with more commuter traffic.

The new station would address the gap problem via a straight platform instead of the currently curved one, according to both residents and officials.

With one of the biggest gaps as noted by authorities, officials also note that a similar plan has been looked at back in the mid 80s primarily designed to offer more parking for Syosset station commuters. But, the project never got off the ground due to fears of more traffic and congestion.

The Long Island Railroad is upgrading tracks at other stations (as well) as a result of the death of Natalie Smead, an 18-year old, who was hit by a train after falling into the gap at Woodside back in August.

Officials fear that because the Syosset station is curves, such upgrades and alteration may be “impossible”

Those who supports moving the station support a plan decades old calling for moving the station about a mile and a half away, a venture that would use the north service road of the Long Island Expressway and Gordon Drive as alternative routes to new parking facilities.

And, the project would cost about $1.5 million, the town being responsible only for the asphalt coating of the new parking arena.

But, officials note they need to do more investigation and research.

And, commuters were torn on the issue.