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Old LIRR Tracks To Be Turned Into Hiking, Biking Trail

MILLER PLACE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A long-awaited plan to turn some unused train tracks on Long Island into a needed bicycle trail is finally happening.

An old abandoned Long Island Rail Road track between Port Jefferson and Wading River is being transformed into a nearly 10-mile bicycle and hiking trail.

WEB EXTRA: Parks, Trails For A Perfect Local Hike

"It is important to protect and preserve our natural resources and aid our growing network of trails on Long Island," stated Rep. Lee Zeldin, member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "There is much more work still ahead and I will continue my work in Washington, D.C. to lead the effort."

The federal government is funding most of the $9.5 million project.

Many on Long Island are thrilled.

"We need areas where the public can go and relax and not have to worry about vehicle traffic," bicyclist Bob Devito said.

"Cars just don't like sharing the road with us and so I'm really excited that this trail is being built as a way for us to be safer," bicyclist Ashley Hunt-Marcellato said.

The "Rails to Trails" project is scheduled for completion in two years.

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