MTA's storm plans for LIRR, bridges

The MTA outlined their storm plans for the LIRR and bridges in a press release Tuesday afternoon.

Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad

"The MTA’s commuter railroads are pre-positioning crews and diesel locomotives to be in position to minimize service disruptions.

Starting Tuesday through the end of the event, additional personnel will be added to identify and quickly address possible track, signal, and power challenges caused by flooding, washouts, downed trees and other potential storm damage. Personnel will survey and clear drainage areas where necessary, fortify key locations, and look for trees requiring removal as well as any track structures requiring attention.

Railroad crews have equipment on hand to be able to respond quickly as conditions warrant – chainsaws for clearing downed trees, pumps in the event of flooded areas, and identifying locations and availability of supplies for replacing damaged utility poles and crossing gates.

The railroads have worked aggressively to proactively protect infrastructure, tackling poor drainage locations, improving vegetation management adjacent to tracks, and strengthening and replacing utility poles, among other actions."

MTA Bridges and Tunnels

"Based on the current weather forecast, MTA Bridges and Tunnels will implement a ban on empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks beginning Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. The ban is expected to be in place until at least 10:00 p.m..

Pedestrian walkways at the Cross Bay Bridge, Marine Parkway Bridge, Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, and the Henry Hudson Bridge will remain open, but may close depending on wind conditions.

Bridges and Tunnels personnel are checking all flood-prone locations for debris and will continue to monitor them throughout the storm. Personnel will also monitor wind conditions and implement appropriate traffic or speed restrictions, if necessary, while maintenance teams remain on standby to respond to any incidents or emergencies."