By Angela Rafferty, staff reporter
As of the summer of 2016, Flushing Main Street has been upgrading their Long Island Rail Road for train passengers. It was said to last two years but it is still a work in progress. Many locals rely on the train daily to commute and the renovations are said to be in their favor.
Originally, this train station does not have ramps for the disabled since its located high above Main Street. In these long overdue plans of modernization, elevators will be available to the public and staircase railings have been updated. Both eastbound and westbound tracks have been moved to different locations and one of the staircases were built where a small supermarket was.
Beautiful artwork on the wall. In the passageway of the old staircase is now covered that was enjoyed by many. The supermarket was removed and the owners plan to relocate nearby was in place.
During the construction, it’s a hassle to maneuver around the workers while getting to the platform.
11th grader, Noah Levine, says “I felt in danger when walking up the steps because something could have fell on me”.
There is currently drilling and everytime a pedestrian has to get to the platform the construction workers must pause to let them pass by. Hopefully this won’t go on for too long if the new station is done by the said time.
Despite all the cons of this plan for a better railroad environment, all of the money invested in this project won’t be wasted. The modern look will improve the Flushing atmosphere and people taking the train won’t be sorry.
Elevators will be a nice addition and there will finally be a place to sit down in when it’s raining or very hot outside. Although it may not be soon, the anticipated Long Island Rail Road station will be a place people can enjoy visiting.
