December 25, 2014
By Stephanie West
Long Island, NY – The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has awarded a contract for the design and construction of a new bridge over the railroad tracks at Ellison Avenue in Westbury, Long Island. The project labor agreement ensures the entire project will be built with union labor.
The $7 million contract was awarded to Posillico Civil Inc., a Farmingdale, Long Island construction firm. The project is scheduled to get underway in January and completion is expected in 2016.
“The Long Island Rail Road has worked closely with State Senator Jack Martins and Westbury Mayor Peter Cavallaro to move this project forward,” said LIRR President Patrick A. Nowakowski. ”We are grateful for their help and delighted the MTA Board has given us a green light.”
The Ellison Avenue Bridge was originally built by the LIRR as an overpass in 1896, and was rebuilt in 1941 as a two-lane roadway bridge with pedestrian sidewalks on both sides. The roadway deck of the bridge is in poor condition and in need of replacement. The existing 3-span bridge will be completely demolished and replaced with a pre-stressed concrete bridge.
“Approving this contract is welcome news for the Westbury- Carle Place community, said State Senator Jack Martins. "After a decades-long wait, we continue to see real progress being made in replacing one of Long Island's worst-rated bridges. The need for this project and the benefits that come with it, including improved safety, new jobs, and economic development, are unquestionable. The finish line continues to get closer, and I thank the MTA LIRR for continuing to move forward on this project."
