MTA LIRR President Thomas Prendergast and local elected officials took part in a groundbreaking ceremony on March 23 marking the start of major renovation work at the LIRR's Hempstead Station Hub.

MTA Chairman E. Virgil Conway said: "Hempstead is a major hub in the making. In 1993, MTA Long Island Bus completed the Hempstead Transit center right across the street. It's the largest passenger terminal in the Long Island Bus system. It's really a magnificent facility. The new train station that will rise on this site promises to be equally magnificent. It will complement the bus terminal beautifully giving us a superb multi-model public transit complex."

LIRR President Thomas Prendergast stated, "When we are done, trains will roll into Hempstead on new tracks and concrete ties. They'll pull up at new concrete platforms sheltered by canopies. The new masonry station building-graced by a clock tower and landscaped plaza - will provide an air-conditioned waiting room and ticket office. A new pedestrian overpass will link the platforms to the parking lot where sidewalks and improved lighting will enhance both safety and convenience."

The project will be performed in two phases and is expected to take 30 months to complete. Regular train service is expected to be maintained during the work.

During the first phase of construction, beginning in mid-April, platform B will be demolished and replaced with a new concrete platform, ties and tracks. After completion of this work, platform A will also receive a new concrete platform and new concrete ties and tracks. The new platforms will have ADA compliant ramps, as well as new four-car canopies to provide shelter from the elements.

A new public address system, improved lighting and signage will also be installed. A new pedestrian overpass will be built linking both platforms with customer parking.

Demolition of the existing station building will also take place during this phase and construction of the new one will begin. The building will include a new ticket office, air conditioned waiting room and ADA compliant restrooms. The station interior will receive new wall, ceiling and floor finishes. The exterior will be of masonry construction with architectural features that include a landscaped pedestrian plaza and clock tower. While the station work is underway, a temporary ADA accessible ticket office/waiting room trailer will be located adjacent to the station building.

During the second phase of the project, the reconstruction of the customer parking lot will take place. This includes ADA designated parking, improved lighting, signage and new pedestrian sidewalks.

The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2001. The budget for the Hempstead Hub Project is $19.5 million. The contractor is Fortunato Sons Inc. of Bohemia.

Approximately 800 westbound commuters use the Hempstead Station daily between 6 and 10 a.m.