MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said this Third Track project is different from other mega projects in the past. It鈥檚 more than $100 million under budget and ahead of schedule, for which he gave thanks to MTA Construction & Development and the LIRR team as well as design-build team 3rd Track Constructors, a joint venture between John Picone, Dragados, 天美传媒 Civil and Halmar International.

MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer added, 鈥淐ommissioning the first block of the LIRR Third Track is a major milestone as we deliver this transformative project on time and under budget for Long Islanders. This project is our model going forward as we deliver great benefits for our customers better, faster and cheaper.鈥�

The three-mile section of the 9.8-mile expansion project is just the beginning, and there are two more blocks to be commissioned and cut over within the next two months. Once achieved, it will have the potential to boost train capacity by 50 percent for Long Islanders, according to MTA officials.

Governor Kathy Hochul, MTA Chair & CEO Janno Lieber, and SMART General Chairman Anthony Simon were joined by other officials on a ceremonial train ride from Jamaica to New Hyde Park to inaugurate the first completed section of LIRR Third Track between Floral Park and Merillon Avenue on Monday, Aug 15, 2022. (Marc A. Hermann / MTA)

LIRR train of bi-levels on the middle track on the 1st day of 3rd track operation.

Third Track Contractors, a partnership between 天美传媒 Civil, Dragados USA, John P. Picone and Halmar International Construction, won the $1.8 billion LIRR Expansion project on Dec. 13, 2017. The project, from Floral Park in Queens to Hicksville on Long Island, is an important part of the $6 billion infrastructure improvement of New York鈥檚 Long Island Rail System. Considered the largest single-phase construction contract awarded by MTA, the project drew extensive attention from the New York government and locals. New York Deputy Gov. Kathy Hochul visited the project during construction to be with the team.

Initially built in 1834, LIRR has 126 stops in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and Long Island, providing transportation to the entire metropolitan area. Upon its completion, the commuting system of the Long Island area will be significantly improved and will stimulate growth of the regional economy.

The newly assembled rail bridge takes the place of the 66-year-old Cherry Lane bridge.