Major Service Disruptions Hit Long Island Rail Road This Weekend

UPDATE: Urgent service disruptions are underway for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) this weekend, impacting thousands of commuters. Starting early October 21, 2023, major changes affect the Port Jefferson and Ronkonkoma branches, with service suspensions and altered schedules lasting until 2:15 a.m. on Monday, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

For passengers on the Port Jefferson Branch, service is completely suspended between Mineola and Huntington. To accommodate affected commuters, hourly shuttle buses will operate with stops at Hicksville, Syosset, and Cold Spring Harbor. Additionally, there will be no LIRR service at Carle Place and Westbury. The MTA advises using the NICE bus routes n22, n24, or n35 to reach these stations, which will accept LIRR tickets at no extra charge. Limited overnight shuttle bus service will also be available.

Meanwhile, on the Ronkonkoma Branch, trains will run every two hours between Penn Station and Ronkonkoma, but will be diverted via the south shore. Notably, trains between Jamaica and Farmingdale will change direction twice without stopping at any stations. Commuters are urged to allow at least 50 minutes of additional travel time to reach their destinations.

There is also no service at Bethpage, with the MTA suggesting commuters use either the Farmingdale or Seaford LIRR stations instead.

These significant service changes are necessary as transit officials conduct critical signal upgrade work in Hicksville. Commuters are encouraged to stay informed by checking the latest updates on the MTA website.

This disruption comes during a peak travel period, raising concerns for those relying on the LIRR. The MTA’s proactive measures aim to minimize inconvenience, but affected passengers should plan accordingly to avoid delays.

Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops. Share this news to keep fellow commuters informed!