LIRR work in New Cassel closes roads, cuts off parking access

The Long Island Rail Road's Third Track Project is underway and apparently causing headaches for nearby residents.
Southbound Urban Avenue in New Cassel has been closed for the past couple of weeks. The adjacent Broadway has been closed for a couple of blocks so construction crews can move underground utilities. An underpass will be built on Urban Avenue; the road will dip down and go underneath the train tracks down the street.
But people living near the construction site say dealing with it has been a nightmare.
Resident Apollos Johnson says the work has caused him to lose driveway access, forcing him to park blocks away.
LIRR spokesperson Aaron Donovan said in a statement: "The contractor is providing off-site parking for workers, who have been encouraged to use it. But we cannot prevent workers from using legal parking spots."
North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Viviana Russell lives in the area and says although the railroad and the contractor notified residents weeks ago about the work, she still hears from people who say they were caught off guard.
All grade crossings between Hicksville and Floral Park are being removed as part of the project.
The LIRR says the work in New Cassel should be completed sometime next week.