The MTA has formally handed operational control of Grand Central Madison over to the Long Island Rail Road, signaling the arduous road to opening day for the long-delayed new terminal is near.
The LIRR assumes control of the 750,000-square-foot station complex from MTA Construction & Development, which oversaw the build-out of the hub which will bring LIRR trains to Grand Central Terminal and the east side of Manhattan. The transfer took place at noon on Friday, Dec. 9, the MTA says, and was overseen by the Federal Railroad Administration.
“Today’s announcement means that Grand Central Madison is formally changing from a construction site to a railroad terminal,” said LIRR and Metro-North President Catherine Rinaldi in a statement. “This is a historic, major milestone for the project. The LIRR is delighted to have received this extraordinary, nearly completed new train terminal and railroad staff are looking forward to safely beginning train service for customers.”
