Over the next four weekends, Oct. 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, and Nov. 2-3, crews will perform tests of signals in Harold Interlocking, the complex of switches in Sunnyside, Queens, where LIRR trains bound for Grand Central will separate from its trains to Penn Station, and where eastbound trains from those two terminals will merge onto the Main Line for travel to Long Island.

 

As a result of these signal tests, trains will operate hourly on the Port Washington Branch instead of every 30 minutes during these four weekends.

 

On the Babylon Branch, approximately half of trains that normally travel to or from Penn Station during these four weekends will instead originate or terminate at Jamaica. Customers can connect there with Penn Station trains.

 

To accommodate the service changes on these two branches, trains on most other branches will operate with some schedule adjustments of up to five minutes.

 

The LIRR advises customers to review special timetables at these links:

 

Information about the planned schedule change noted in this press release, and all planned service changes, is available through the LIRR’s real-time service information sources.

myLIRR.org - Customers can see real-time positions of upcoming trains in real time, on a smartphone-optimized map that refreshes every 3- to 5-seconds, by logging into myLIRR.org, which is optimized for smartphone screens.

 

MYmta app & MTA.info – Customers who use the new, comprehensive MYmta app will see real-time travel information for the LIRR and connecting services all in one place, with push notifications when service is not operating normally. 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. The rail tab of the “Service Status” box at new.MTA.info is always the definitive source for the latest status for each branch, updated every minute.

 

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.

 

@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.