Main Line third track construction was deferred indefinitely by the MTA in 2008 due to budget constraints. In January 2016, Governor Cuomo and the MTA announced plans to restart construction of the Main Line third track. In December 2017, the LIRR awarded a contract for the project to the consortium 3rd Track Constructors for $1.8 billion. Completion was estimated for 2022, in time for the opening of East Side Access. A groundbreaking ceremony for the third track project was held on September 5, 2018.