LIRR culvert in Aquebogue needs work, DEC seeks comment
The culvert that runs underneath the Long Island Rail Road tracks and Hubbard Avenue in Aquebogue is due for some rehabilitation, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking comment on a proposal for the work.
The LIRR owns the so-called Indian Island culvert, but the land it’s on is part of Suffolk County’s Indian Island Park.
The culvert allows Terry Creek to cross under the road. The railroad plans to rehabilitate the culvert by replacing deteriorated wing walls and lining it with polyethylene piping.
To do so, LIRR will have dewater up to 3.7 million gallons for one day.
The culvert is on land that’s part of Suffolk County’s Indian Island Park, but the culvert itself is owned by the LIRR.
The original culvert was installed in 1888.
The work is expected to begin around June, once DEC wetlands permits are secured, according to LIRR spokesperson Sarah Armaghan. The overall job is expected to take six to eight weeks, and the construction is expected to have any effect on rail service and minimal effect on vehicle traffic, she said. A short-term single lane road closure may be required for safe ingress and egress of materials, she said.
A public comment period on the project is in effect; written comments will be accepted no later than Thursday, Feb. 15.
The contact person is John Weiland of the DEC at 1-631-444-0359. The mailing address for Mr. Weiland is NYSDEC, SUNY @ Stony Brook, 50 Circle Road, Stony Brook, NY 11790-3409.
The DEC has classified the project as a “Type 2” action, meaning an environmental impact study is not needed, and the site is not subject to the State Historic Preservation Act, according to officials.
Photo caption: The Long Island Roil Road is planning to rehabilitate the culvert that goes under the track by Hubbard Avenue and Terry Creek, and the state DEC is seeking comments on the wetland permit for the project. (Credit: Tim Gannon)
