LIRR bridge repairs to cost $26.2M

The LIRR will begin work next month on replacing three aging Hampton Bays bridges at a cost of $26.2 million, railroad officials said Monday.

Work on the North Highway Bridge, the Montauk Highway Bridge and the Shinnecock Canal Bridge is expected to create 45 construction jobs and extend the life of each bridge by as much as 40 years, Long Island Rail Road officials said.

The bridges were all built in the early 1900s.

LIRR president Helena Williams said the bridge projects highlight “the MTA’s long-term commitment to improving service on the East End.”

“Rebuilding these bridges, the oldest of which has stood for more than 100 years, will provide a much-needed boost to the economy on the East End of Long Island by creating construction jobs and making travel on the Montauk Branch smoother and more reliable,” Williams said. “Transportation is a key to the future growth of eastern Suffolk County.”

The work will include rebuilding deteriorated parts of the bridges, improving drainage and waterproofing, as well as painting.

Williams said the bridges “are showing their age.” Parts of the bridges were found to be in fair to poor condition during LIRR inspections.

SEE PHOTOSLIRR trains and commuters through the years

The projects will be funded through the Federal Transit Administration and the MTA Capital Program. The work will be carried out by a private contractor and take place over the next two years, mostly during weekends.