With the single track along the 18-mile stretch between Ronkonkoma and Farmingdale, there is very little flexibility in the event of service disruption. The LIRR Double Track project is designed to improve service and reliability on the Ronkonkoma Branch, one of the busiest corridors of the LIRR. The Long Island Rail Road's (LIRR) Double Track Project will dramatically increase the capacity of the Ronkonkoma Branch along 18 miles between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma.
Phase I of this project includes the design and construction of a 7.4 mile of track between Farmingdale and Central Islip. Phase II of this project involves the construction of an uninterrupted second track, which will allow LIRR to provide more frequent off-peak service to the Ronkonkoma Branch in both directions and will increase flexibility and reduce delays associated with service disruptions. The total project cost was approximately $138 million.
The project will end current LIRR operational limitations and increase service reliability and on-time performance along the main line. All work was done within the right of way, including clearing and grubbing, excavation and backfill, construction of infiltration trenches, construction of retaining walls to support the future second track (cut walls and fill walls), placing of subgrade and sub-ballast, installation of fences, rebuilding four crossings, relocation of an existing pedestrian bridge and wetland mitigation at the adjacent park. JPCL worked as the prime for supplying all 3rd party special inspections and material testing services for soil compaction, sub-ballast and ballast placement, lab analyses, gradation and proctor determination. In addition, JPCL performed re-bar and concrete placement inspections including concrete strength testing in the lab. JPCL also supplied sampling and chemical analyses of the excavated soil for reuse and disposal as contaminated non-hazardous soil. This project was a fast-paced project and JPCL ensured code compliance and prompt completion of all required inspections.
