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August 24, 2018
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Update: Service Advisory: LIRR Double Track Construction Enters Final Phase, Leading to Increased Reliability, Service on Ronkonkoma BranchRegular Train Service Between Hicksville and Ronkonkoma to Run Weeknight Overnights Aug. 27-31
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As the Long Island Rail Road continues to advance toward completion on the Double Track Project on the Ronkonkoma Branch, the agency also strives to minimize construction impacts on customers. Next week, August 27-31, the LIRR will run regular train service weeknight overnights between Hicksville and Ronkonkoma, while signal testing on the Double Track Project on the Ronkonkoma Branch continues around-the-clock. Buses had been initially been scheduled to substitute for trains between Hicksville and Ronkonkoma from 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. on these overnights.
“We thank our customers for their understanding while we work to bring this vital project online, which will have immediate benefits in increased reliability and reverse-peak service that our customers greatly deserve,” LIRR President Phil Eng said. “As we work through these final phases, we will do everything we can to minimize service impacts to get customers where they need to go.” The Double Track Project is in its final phase, and is expected to be complete by the end of summer.
The highly anticipated Double Track Project, a crucial component to expanding LIRR service in Suffolk County while bolstering the region’s economy, will improve service and reliability on the LIRR’s Ronkonkoma Branch, as well as for service to Long Island MacArthur Airport. Over the past 25 years, ridership on the Ronkonkoma Branch has doubled -- growing in popularity since the line was electrified in 1988 – indicating the need for expansion.
This addition will aid in reducing delays in the event of a service disruption, as the majority of the 18-mile stretch between Ronkonkoma and Farmingdale currently only has one track available to both directions of train traffic. When an issue arises with a train, this stalls all other east and westbound trains because there is currently no way to circumnavigate the stalled train.
Previously announced temporary Ronkonkoma Branch service changes running weekdays through August 31, as well as busing programs between Hicksville and Ronkonkoma for this weekend, August 25-26, remain in effect.
Many Channels for Services Updates
Information about the service changes noted in this press release and all planned service changes is available through the LIRR’s real-time service information sources:
Email and text message service updates – Customers are urged to sign up to receive the alerts by visiting MyMTAAlerts.com. To avoid unwanted messages, a user can tailor the messages to the specific branch, and the specific times of day.
MYmta app – Customers who use the new, comprehensive MYmta app will see real-time travel information for LIRR and connecting services all in one place. As a caution, trains that start out their trips on time may experience delays en route. The LIRR Train Time app also remains available for customers to access LIRR train information.
MTA.info – The rail tab of the “Service Status” box at the left side of www.MTA.infois always the definitive source for the latest status for each branch, updated every minute. In addition, customers can visit www.mta.info/lirrto see special service notices in the upper center of the page. @LIRR on Twitter – Twitter users can follow @LIRR to receive updates of a similar nature to the email and text alerts, shortened to fit Twitter’s format.
The above communications channels can be accessed while at home or on the go. For customers who are located at stations, the LIRR will post the latest service updates on digital signs at station platforms and will make audio announcements over public address systems, and on-board announcements made by train crews.
For those who prefer the telephone, information is available from the LIRR’s Customer Service Center by calling 511, the New York State Travel Information Line, and saying: “Long Island Rail Road” Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can use their preferred service provider for the free 711 relay to reach the LIRR at 511.
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