Port Washington residents and local politicians are pressing the Long Island Railroad over the closing of a pedestrian overpass bridge at the Port Washington station.
The LIRR closed the bridge, which stretched from the parking lot on South Bayles Avenue to Haven Avenue, on June 29 due to “deterioration of the bridge’s concrete and steel structure,” said Salvatore Arena, a LIRR spokesman.
The LIRR Engineering Department’s inspection on June 29 determined that the 59-year-old bridge’s deterioration was caused by weather and wear over time.
Large pieces of plywood have been positioned in front of both entrances to the bridge with signs that read, “closed for maintenance.”
The LIRR is currently trying to purchase and install a prefabricated replacement bridge, which would be the fastest possible solution, Arena said. He added that there is no time frame yet on the development of a new bridge.
A North Hempstead Town councilwoman, Dina De Giorgio, said having only one spot to enter and exit the train is a safety issue. She said she’s been in constant communication with the LIRR and said the voices of Port Washington residents are being heard.
“The town is working closely with the LIRR on the issue of the closed pedestrian overpass in Port Washington,” said North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth. “I have spoken to LIRR President Pat Nowakowski regarding the need for the overpass to be replaced as soon as possible. He understands my commitment to assuring our Port Washington commuters’ needs are addressed in a timely fashion.”
Travelers say the closure has added time to commutes, redirecting them from the southern side of the tracks to Main Street on the north side.
“It’s so inconvenient,” said Jenny Lee, who commutes from Queens to Port Washington daily. “I usually get off near the walkway, but now I have to get off near Main Street and walk to the North Shore Animal League.”
Residents said it has become overcrowded and congested near the Main Street exit. Before the bridge’s closure, commuters had three areas to enter and exit: one on both sides of the track and the Main Street spot.
“It’s always crowded now,” said Tom Morrison, who takes the train to and from Port Washington every day. “It’s a problem and people should complain. They have the right and it’s going to increase over time.”
Although many residents are lobbying for the LIRR to reopen the bridge and many commuters are affected, some residents believe it’s not worth complaining about.
“It’s a big first-world problem that people here like to complain about,” said a commuter who asked to remain unnamed.
