NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Senator Chuck Schumer says he plans to reintroduce federal legislation that would fund safety improvements at LIRR grade crossings. These measures would prevent accidents like the one that killed three people in Westbury last week.
If given the proper funding, the senator believes that he can find support for the Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Act. "Experts know a lot more about how to make crossings safer. But because of lack of local funding, it's much harder to do." Schumer explains.
Kyle Strober, executive director of the Association for a Better Long Island, a nonprofit advocacy group, also supports the proposed upgrades. Newsday reports “When we talk about railway infrastructure projects, it’s almost always about improving the railway’s efficiency and reliability,” Strober said. “Last week reminded us that critical safety projects are just as important.”
The LIRR and state plan a $2.6 billion effort to construct a third track on the LIRR's Main Line and eliminate about six crossings. The original bill was first introduced in 2015 and included funding for Operation Lifesaver, a nonprofit group that advocates for crossing safety, and for the Federal Railroad Administration to hire personnel to work with railroads on safety improvements.