Elmont-UBS Arena Station is the first new Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station to be designed and built in nearly 50 years. As the signature transportation element of the $1.26 billion Belmont Park Redevelopment Project, the station provides year‑round rail access to UBS Arena – home to the New York Islanders – as well as a hotel and retail district. Positioned between Queens Village and Bellerose on the LIRR Main Line, the 19,000‑square‑foot, three‑level station enhances mobility for nearby communities and helps reduce congestion along the Cross Island Parkway and surrounding local roads.
What challenges did STV address?
The project required designing a fully ADA‑compliant station spanning an active rail corridor adjacent to a major highway. The design‑build team faced aggressive schedule milestones tied to the arena’s opening and the start of the 2022–2023 NHL season. Integrating complex structural, civil and systems elements within the confined transportation corridor demanded careful staging and continuous coordination with MTA Construction & Development and LIRR.
What solutions did STV deliver?
As architect‑ and engineer‑of‑record, STV led the overall design process, delivering architectural, structural, civil and systems designs that shaped the new station. The firm developed specialized mechanical designs, including a snow‑melting system embedded in the platforms. STV also provided project controls, geotechnical analysis, utility coordination, construction staging plans and maintenance and protection of traffic schemes to support on‑time delivery of milestone openings in 2021 and 2022.
How does this project benefit the region?
The station strengthens regional transit access, provides 24/7 LIRR service to a major entertainment venue and expands travel options for residents. By shifting trips from automobiles to rail, the project improves traffic flow, enhances safety and supports economic vitality generated by the redeveloped Belmont Park district.
Key stats and accolades
- First new LIRR station in nearly 50 years
- 19,000‑sf, three‑level station
- 20‑foot‑wide pedestrian overpass with elevator access
- $725 million projected annual economic output
- 24/7 rail service for UBS Arena events
