On The Right Track: Kalwall Brightens Remodeled MTA Station

Another one of the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s high profile stations is going to have the distinct look of Kalwall translucent sandwich panels.

When Hicksville Station was selected to undergo a $122 million facelift, Kalwall translucent sandwich panels provided a vital solution. One of the most eye-catching features of the station’s new look is 1,678 linear feet of 23’ wide Kalwall Kalcurve® that forms the canopies on the North and South platforms.

Hicksville Station is the third busiest stop along the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), serving an average of 26,000 riders each day.

The project, which was funded by the MTA’s LIRR Capital Improvement Program and fast-tracked by N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, also includes the replacement of platforms, escalators and staircases, along with brand new signage and elevators. The project started this year and is expected to be completed in 2018. Kalwall’s quick time from production to installation is a point of pride.

Kalwall has been a part of several award-winning MTA projects in the past, including the installation of a skylight in the Metro North Train Station adjacent to Yankee Stadium and panels for the Croton-Harmon Locomotive and Coach Shop.

Kalwall panels are ideal for canopies because the diffuse natural daylighting eliminates shadows, hotspots and glare. They also emit a soft, glow at night to serve as a guiding light to travelers.

The translucent panels camouflage leaves and debris, and are easily maintained because access scaffolding is not required and maintenance staff can safely walk across its surface. They also weigh a third less than glass, making them more economical with less sub structure and longer spans.