The Metropolitan Transportation Authority estimates the…
By Betsy Scheinbart
AirTrain construction in Jamaica began to affect Long Island Rail Road passengers last Friday as the station’s $316 million redevelopment forced riders to use different platforms and staircases.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority estimates the construction will affect about 14,000 daily LIRR riders at Jamaica station, which will include the closure of the double staircase leading from the mezzanine to the ticket office.
Passengers who only pass through Jamaica without transferring trains or purchasing tickets will not be affected.
To access the ticket office during construction, passengers should use the stairs from the platform down to Sutphin Boulevard. At street level, turn left (north) and walk to the exterior doors of the mail lobby and the ticket office.
Construction of the AirTrain station above the LIRR station is expected to be completed in 2005 and the AirTrain will begin connecting Jamaica with John F. Kennedy International Airport in 2003.
The $1.9 billion transportation system will link the airport with 740 LIRR trains each day as well as the E, J and Z subway lines. It is scheduled to connect the airport with the A subway line at Howard Beach by the end of next year.
The AirTrain’s support pillars already stand adjacent to the LIRR station, where construction of the tracks has begun. At the same time, track construction is nearing completion along the Van Wyck Expressway to JFK.
Later this year, each of the stairways that lead to Sutphin Boulevard at the east end of the station will be replaced by temporary, aluminum staircases. Platform changes will be required as staircases are replaced.
As new lights and communication systems are installed on the Jamaica platforms, additional track changes will be required. The majority of the work will take place during off-peak hours or behind barriers.
Meanwhile, a new roof will be constructed over the station, transforming its appearance. The platforms will also be completely rebuilt and new customer waiting rooms will be built at the platform level.
A new overhead mezzanine will connect all the platforms with high-capacity elevators and escalators.
The street-level elevators and escalators that lead to the E, J and Z subway lines at the southwest corner of Sutphin Boulevard and Archer Avenue are closed, but stairwell access is available at all four corners of the intersection. For wheelchair access, passengers must use the Jamaica/Van Wyck and Jamaica Center stations.
Reach reporter Betsy Scheinbart by e-mail at Timesledgr@aol.com or call 229-0300 Ext. 138.
