On Monday, Willis Avenue in Mineola closed to vehicular traffic from 3rd to 2nd streets for at least nine months as part of the construction of an underpass for the Long Island Rail Road’s third track project.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority said the street will remain closed for construction “through the third quarter of 2021.”
During the closure, Front Street, between Willis Avenue and Roslyn Road, will remain a two-way roadway accessible to local traffic from Roslyn Road. The western portion of Front Street between Main Street and Willis Avenue will be accessible to two-way local traffic from Main Street.
Additionally, 2nd Street will close at the intersection of Willis Avenue while crews grade the roadway to align with the future underpass at Willis Avenue, a closure expected to last three months. Access to businesses along Willis Avenue and 2nd Street will be maintained throughout the closure.
New vehicular and pedestrian traffic patterns will also take effect following completion of the underpass, including the closure of Hinck Way to all but LIRR personnel. Front Street between Willis Avenue and Roslyn Road will be accessible via Roslyn Road only, among other things.
The MTA said the underpass is the last to be constructed as part of the expansion project, which will add a third track on the Main Line between Floral Park and Hicksville and is eliminating eight street-level grade crossings.
“The Willis Avenue grade crossing elimination project will help strengthen the reliability of LIRR infrastructure and support the growth and development of Long Island as well as the entire region,” the MTA said in a statement. “In addition, it will enhance safety and provide for a quieter and more livable community along the railroad.”
