The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has completed the Elmont-UBS Arena train station, the first new station to debut in almost 50 years. Located on the border of Elmont and Bellrose Terrace in Nassau County, Long Island, riders can expect full service by the end of 2022.
The Elmont Station originally opened in November 2021, but was served only on event days and only on the eastbound platform. Completion of the station is part of the $1.26 billion Belmont Park Redevelopment Project, which also included the 19,000-seat UBS Arena in nearby Belmont Park.
Today, the arena serves as a home for the New York Islanders. When first announced, the project was expected to generate nearly $50 million in new public revenue each year and produce $725 million in annual economic output.
“Having both modern, accessible platforms open at the world-class Elmont-UBS Arena Station is a victory for Long Island and the State of New York,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “New Yorkers will now enjoy a smoother ride to and from Islanders games and concerts, and I look forward to continuing to bring transformative projects like this one to all corners of the Empire State.”
View inside the new Elmont Long Island Railroad Station (LIRR)
Incoming train at the new Elmont Long Island Railroad Station (LIRR)
Neither the MTA nor the LIRR had to foot the project’s $105 million construction cost. Developers of the UBS Arena contributed around $97 million and New York State covered the remainder, previously estimated at $8 million.
“Infrastructure is what makes it possible for the state and Long Island to flourish both socially and economically,” said lieutenant governor Antonio Delgado. “With projects like the Main Line Third Track, Grand Central Madison, and this new Elmont-UBS Arena station, New York is providing Long Islanders and visitors to the island with a modern, world class, resilient railroad system that will also help reduce traffic congestion.”
The main goal of the project was to facilitate an easier commute for visitors interested in attending a game or event at the arena. Those traveling from New York City can now directly return after events without the need to board a shuttle bus to the Queens Village Long Island Railroad Station that had been offered last year.
Travelers who live east of Belmont on the Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Port Jefferson, and Ronkonkoma branches will have a one-seat public transit ride straight to Belmont Park. The station also offers USB charging stations, free Wi-Fi, and canopies to duck under when the weather requires.
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Good news but “…the first new station to debut in almost 50 years” is an absolutely shameful statement.
I couldn’t agree more – there is plenty of room for improved LIRR service throughout the area! It’s a real shame that doing anything thoughtful or pro-growth is so difficult….
I try to remain sanguin that with generational change ambitions will be raised.
I am 74 y/o and a retired NY trial lawyer now living out West. But I go back to NY & LI frequently. The triple tracking & Grand Central access is terrific. However, it took my adult lifetime to accomplish; 1968, with the start of the 63rd St tunnel, to now. Of course, now that it’s a new NY, I’m at the end of my life. I guess the saying, “I’m glad I lived long enough to see this” applies.
Just to clarify — “The first new station in 50 years” means a new station where one previously did not exist. Some in this thread seem to mistakenly confuse it to mean “Upgraded” or “Rebuilt”, to which there have been numerous, over the decades.
Ease for some but 2000 somewhat people in the neighborhood… there was a station not to far away… all for the UBS Arena. ULTIMATE BULL STUFF.