Installation of New Port Washington LIRR Overpass Begins Friday

Installation of a new pedestrian overpass on the east end of the Port Washington Long Island Rail Road Station will begin Friday night, the Metropolitan Transit Authority announced Wednesday.

Half of the bridge leading to the South Bayles Avenue parking lot will be replaced. The bridge is expected to reopen to the public Tuesday, Nov. 8, according to LIRR President Patrick A. Nowakowski.

The overpass became closed off on June 29 after the bridge was found to be structurally unsound. It was demolished overnight from Sept. 9-10.

“The closing of the bridge was a necessary safety measure, but we realize it has been an inconvenience for some customers and appreciate their patience,” Nowakowski said in a press release. “Once we determined that the old section could not be shored up, we knew the fastest way to replace it was to order a pre-fabricated structure that we could install in a couple of days.”

Part of the South Bayles Avenue parking lot will be closed for 24 hours, from 8 p.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Saturday, to accommodate the crane and other equipment. The area will be lit during the overnight installation and some noise is expected.

The parking lot will reopen Sunday morning and the bridge will be ready in time for the Tuesday morning commute. The installation will cause no impact to the train service, the MTA says.

Patch file photo