LIRR
February 27-28: Signal Modernization Project Alters Weekend Schedules

No Main Line train service between Hicksville and Jamaica

Special weekend timetables will be in effect for all branches on the weekend of February 27-28 (rescheduled from February 20-21) as we modernize the signal system along the Main Line Corridor as part of the LIRR Expansion Project.

To allow this work to proceed, the LIRR will suspend Main Line train service between Hicksville and Jamaica. Key service impacts and alternatives appear below:

New Hyde Park, Merillon Avenue, Mineola, Carle Place and Westbury Stations: NO TRAIN SERVICE. As an alternative, use the Hempstead Branch, where weekend service will be increased from hourly to half-hourly, or NICE Bus service. LIRR tickets will be cross-honored on the N22/24 bus routes for service between Hicksville and Mineola, and the N40/41 bus routes for service between Mineola and Hempstead. See www.nicebus.com for schedules.

Oyster Bay Branch: Service will operate every two hours. All trains terminate/originate at East Williston Station. Take free LIRR shuttle buses between East Williston, Mineola and Hempstead, where half-hourly train service will be available, or use the Port Washington Branch.

Hempstead Branch:  Service on the Hempstead Branch will be increased from hourly to half-hourly to provide alternative service for affected customers. Trains will alternate between Penn Station and Atlantic Terminal (every other train will operate directly to Penn Station).

Huntington/Port Jefferson/Ronkonkoma Branches: Revised train routes will require westbound customers from Huntington, Port Jefferson and Ronkonkoma to transfer to a shuttle train at Hicksville stopping at Bethpage and Babylon, then connect with a train from Babylon to Penn Station. Eastbound customers traveling to Huntington, Port Jefferson and Ronkonkoma will reverse the process and take a train from Penn Station to Babylon, transfer to a shuttle train stopping at Bethpage and Hicksville, then transfer again to an eastbound train from Hicksville to points east. Please allow up to 60 minutes of additional travel time. As alternatives, consider traveling via the Babylon, Montauk or Hempstead Branches.

Bethpage Station: All train service will be provided by the diesel-powered shuttle trains with bi-level cars that will operate between Hicksville and Babylon. Electric trains will not stop at Bethpage Station. In addition, platform boarding patterns will change. Westbound customers should wait on the eastbound platform (Track 2, Platform B), and board a shuttle train to Babylon. Eastbound customers should wait on the westbound platform (Track 1, Platform A), and board a shuttle train to Hicksville. Please plan ahead and allow additional time to safely cross the Stewart Avenue grade crossing when getting to/from the opposite station platform.

Monday March 1: Main Line Tracks Renumbered at New Hyde Park, Merillon Avenue, Mineola, Carle Place and Westbury

Preparations are being made for the addition of a new third track between Floral Park and Hicksville. Effective Monday, March 1, the tracks between New Hyde Park and Westbury will be re-numbered to accommodate the future third track. The north side track (currently Track 1) will now be referred to as Track 3, and the south side track (Track 2) will now be referred to as Track 1.

This change will only affect the way in which tracks are numbered. Trains will continue to adhere to current operating patterns, with westbound trains generally arriving on the north side platform, and eastbound trains on the south side platform.