The proposed Long Island Rail-Truck Inter Modal (LITRIM) facility project would provide multiple benefits including traffic highway relief, economic development, job creation and reduced vehicle emissions.
On June 8, 2011, the final study examining potential Long Island intermodal sites was released and concluded that there is a demand for increased freight delivery in our region due to population and employment gains. The report also stated that as we get deeper into the 21st century, the needs of a global economy and reliance on new technologies will require it if our region is to remain economically competitive. Pilgrim Psychiatric Center in Brentwood was identified as a prime location for the intermodal facility.
Currently, only 1 percent of freight delivered to Long Island is carried by rail compared to a national average of 15 percent despite our region’s high population density and congested highways.
Benefits of Rail Freight over Truck Freight include:
- 4 times more fuel efficient
- About 6 times the capacity
- About 1/2 the cost
- Less than 1/2 the number of fatalities
The proposed Inter Modal Facility and the associated roadway connecting the Facility to the Long Island Expressway will have important benefits to the region:
- It will relieve traffic congestion caused by major future commercial developments in the area.
- Construction on the project would bring an estimated 1,100 construction jobs to the region, while generating $4.69 million in tax revenues for the state. Approximately 450 warehousing jobs are expected.
- The Hauppauge Industrial Park the second largest industrial park nation, is in the vicinity, and stands to benefit, producing jobs and tax revenues.
- The facility will enable freight and other materials to be shipped by rail, relieving congestion on Long Island’s highways. It is estimated that 1560,000 truck trips per year can be eliminated.
- It is estimated that carbon emissions can be reduced by 3,448 tons per year.
According to the NYSDOT website, the Bid opening is expected to be in Winter 2014/2015 and construction is expected to begin in Spring 2015. The final environmental impact has yet to be completed.
