LIRR To Extend Platforms At Kew Gardens, Forest Hills Stations

KEW GARDENS, QUEENS -- Long Island Rail Road stops in Kew Gardens and Forest Hills will soon boast longer platforms to ease crowding at the busy Queens stations, MTA officials said.

The railroad will expand its Kew Gardens and Forest Hills platforms to make room for six train cars - each train can carry up to 12 - instead of the usual four, LIRR President Phillip Eng announced Thursday.

Kew Gardens and Forest Hills LIRR stations see an average of 1,778 and 1,967 riders per week, respectively, according to the MTA. The extension aims to relieve congestion at the busy stations by allowing riders to board and exit trains easier and faster.

“With the high ridership at these stations, we are experiencing train delays as customers must walk from car to car to be able to reach a door at a platform,” he said.

"Longer platforms should speed up our main line service for all customers traveling between Penn Station and Jamaica.”

Side platforms north and south of the tracks at both stations will be lengthened by 200 feet of fiberglass decking supported by steal scaffolding, Eng said.

Construction is slated to begin at both LIRR stations immediately, but the agency said it has yet to determine the cost or completion date of the project.

Lead photo via Google Maps