In 2014, the Belmont Park line became the subject of controversy when the LIRR found itself struggling to transport the larger-than-expected number of visitors to the Belmont Stakes. Due to this overcrowding the NYRA funded a fast-tracked improvement program to partially upgrade the station in time for the 2015 Belmont Stakes. Two of the four low-level platforms—which were the only ones in the LIRR system since the 1990s, when all other LIRR stations had full-height platforms installed—were replaced with newly built high-level platforms in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The other two platforms still have fixed steps attached to them, as all four platforms used to have. The renovated station opened on June 4, 2015, days before the Belmont Stakes.
LIRR put out an RFP that LHV Precast responded to. The project called for the new platforms and supports to be manufactured at LHV Precast and transported to the Belmont site for installation by LIRR construction crews. The work stared on February with the support pilings manufactured first for installation. This was followed by the manufacture of the platforms each skewed sat ta slightly different angle to meet the curve in the track to ensure safe loading and unloading.
Using precast concrete ensured the structures were manufactured in a controlled environment to ensure consistency of design and strength. The site itself had limited room so the structures were able to be brought in as needed to ensure the site was not crowed during construction. February of 2014 had severe snow storms which would have delayed other means of construction. Close coordination between LIRR Engineers, Construction teams and LHV Precast ensured the project ran smoothly as well as on time and on budget.
