MTA officials have announced the reopening of School Street in the Village of Westbury and Hamlet of New Cassel.

Cars are free to pass by after six months of construction to complete of the grade crossing elimination.

The elimination of the railroad crossing and the creation of a new underpass will improve safety and noise levels in the local community.

Veronica Reyes, of Westbury, along with many other residents are thrilled their commute time is now shorter and safer.

“I don't have to go all the way around to Boulver now it's open, I'm so happy about that," Reyes says.

The project comes after years of safety concerns and multiple accidents, including one last year when a car was hit by trains coming in opposite directions, killing three people.

President of MTA construction development Janno Lieber says, "This project checks every box— increasing capacity by 50%, reducing congestion, protecting the environment and enhancing the quality of life for communities on Long Island who live on the main line."

The grade crossing eliminations are essential for Long Island, according to Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.

She says, "This will make this much safer for people who are driving by."

Lieber adds, "Now drivers are no longer to be forced to sit and wait for trains to pass."

This is the fifth grade crossing to be eliminated as part as the Long Island Rail Road expansion project.

The MTA says there are three projects left which are fully funded and under budget. They are expected to be completed by 2021.