Patch Asks: What Would Fix Traffic Tension at LIRR?

A set of changes made last year was intended to improve safety near the tracks, but instead caused only anger and tension.

A year later, the Westmoreland Association is revisiting possible solutions for making the road more hospitable for commuters.

The problem of the reconfiguration began last September, when the Department of Transportation visited the site to address complaints that train noise was disrupting the neighborhood peace.

But with the arrival of a Railroad Quiet Zone came other, less popular alterations. Specifically, the installation of a traffic median with rubber bollards, the removal of a No U-turn sign at the intersection and the construction of a raised sidewalk enclosing the Little Neck LIRR station parking lot.

The changes were promptly met with, with commuters and residents alike agreeing that the new additions succeeded only in aggravating existing traffic issues.

Members of the Westmoreland Association gathered Tuesday night and discussed possible solutions to what has become a longstanding problem. Perhaps the property adjacent to the tracks could be jointly purchased by the LIRR and DOT, allowing more room for cars to queue up? Maybe the issue could be brought to the Community Board 11 Transportation Committee, which has more clout with the DOT than the Westmoreland Association alone? 

Patch wants to know what you think: What can be done to fix the mess down by the railroad tracks?