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East Side Access

East Side Access is the MTA’s largest capital project. The finished project provides Long Island Rail Road riders with 40 miles of new tracks, a new terminal beneath Grand Central, and the modernization of the busiest intersection of passenger train lines in North America.
Updated Nov 1, 2024
An escalator in a train station

Details

  • Location
    Manhattan, Queens
  • Type
    System Expansion
  • Status
    Complete

Area Map

Timeline

Pre-Planning
  • 1998: Decision made to complete the East Side Access project
Planning
  • 2001: Environmental Impact Statement approved
Construction
  • 2001: Construction began
  • 2007: Tunneling construction began in Manhattan and Queens
Completion
  • January 2023: Grand Central Madison opened to the public
  • February 2023: Full LIRR service to Grand Central began

About the project

Long Island Rail Road service to Manhattan's east side is a reality.

The East Side Access project culminated in the opening of Grand Central Madison, a new terminal along Madison Avenue between 43 and 48 Streets that will accommodate LIRR trains. Service from Long Island to Grand Central will save commuters up to 40 minutes of travel time per day.

Approximately 45% of Long Island Rail Road commuters are expected to go to Grand Central Madison, reducing crowding at Penn Station and its surrounding subway lines. Service to Grand Central increases peak hour capacity, and — in combination with the Double Track and LIRR Expansion Project — makes true reverse commuting between Manhattan and Long Island a reality.

Trains at Harold Interlocking, a railroad junction that serves both Amtrak and Long Island Rail Road, will be able to pass through more efficiently. This will benefit travelers all along the Northeast Corridor. The project will also expand and strengthen the regional rail network, protecting it from future transportation crises.

Project benefits

  • A direct connection for all 11 LIRR lines to Grand Central Terminal and Midtown East

  • A new, 350,000-square-foot terminal with spacious waiting areas, retail and restaurants, real-time departure information, and free Wi-Fi

  • Over 160,000 passengers per day can save as much as 40 minutes on their trips

  • Two new tunnels increase train capacity to and from Manhattan by 50%

  • Less crowding at Penn Station

  • Improvements to and expansion of Harold Interlocking, a critical piece of the Northeast Corridor

A map of the East Side Access project area

About LIRR service to Grand Central

Grand Central Madison information
A long escalator that is under construction.

East Side Access publications

East Side Access documents

See a history of East Side Access documents, including reports, newsletters, and the Final Environmental Impact Statement.