UPDATE: Urgent disruptions are affecting Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) service this weekend. Starting early Saturday morning, significant changes are in place on the Port Jefferson and Ronkonkoma branches, lasting until 2:15 a.m. on Monday, October 16, 2023, according to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
For passengers traveling on the Port Jefferson Branch, service is completely suspended between Mineola and Huntington. In lieu of regular train service, hourly shuttle buses will operate, making stops at Hicksville, Syosset, and Cold Spring Harbor. Notably, there will be no LIRR access at Carle Place and Westbury—the MTA advises commuters to utilize the NICE n22, n24, or n35 bus services, which are accepting LIRR tickets at no extra cost.
Meanwhile, the Ronkonkoma Branch will experience reduced service, with trains running every two hours between Penn Station and Ronkonkoma. These trains will be rerouted via the south shore, and between Jamaica and Farmingdale, trains will change direction twice without making any stops. Commuters should anticipate at least 50 minutes of additional travel time.
There is also no service at Bethpage, and passengers are encouraged to board trains at either the Farmingdale or Seaford LIRR stations instead.
According to MTA officials, these service changes are necessitated by ongoing signal upgrade work in Hicksville. For the most current updates, commuters can visit the MTA website.
Stay informed and plan your travel accordingly—these changes are expected to significantly impact your weekend commute. Share this information to help others navigate the disruptions!
