New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF, REF-Sag Harbor) today announced that a proposal to improve East End transportation infrastructure has cleared significant hurdles. The recently-enacted 2019-20 State Budget agreement is expected to include dedicated funding as part of the Capital Program & Financing Plan, which is required to be updated within 90 days of the enactment of the State Budget, and would be accessible for the beginning stages of the planning process for the New Montauk Branch Interlocking and Sidings Extension – a project that has been years in the making, and has recently been identified as a priority of the MTA and the LIRR.

The necessary expansion of service to the East End is currently restricted by the existing lack of adequate infrastructure. The Montauk Branch east of Sayville is a single-track railroad with limited opportunities for trains to pass each other at locations that have interlocked sidings. The construction of additional interlocked passing sidings and/or segments of double track will allow the LIRR to properly address service needs, including adding trains to the South Fork Commuter Connection that launched in March. Ridership numbers on the South Fork Commuter Connection increased dramatically during its first month of service, and these infrastructure improvements will only build on that success and further alleviate traffic congestion on the East End, particularly during peak commuting hours.

MTA President Foye confirmed in a detailed letter to the Assembly Long Island Delegation that the “New Montauk Branch Interlocking and Sidings Extensions have been identified as needs in the LIRR 20 Year needs.” In addition to identifying the development of this project as a priority, Foye indicated that the LIRR is planning to utilize funding to begin design for the rail-siding plan as part of the proposed 2020-24 Capital Program, which received funding in this year’s state budget.

“I am pleased with the continued efforts of the MTA and LIRR to increase and improve train service to the East End,” Assemblyman Thiele stated. “I look forward to our continued cooperation in making these necessary improvements to reduce traffic congestion and make it easier for businesses to recruit and retain employees by providing an alternative, faster, and less stressful commute to the South Fork.”