We're in the final stages of the LIRR Expansion Project, which will add a new third track between Floral Park and Hicksville. As we complete work on track, signals, switches, and stations, there will be major service changes on multiple weekends throughout 2022. We will also take advantage of these weekends to work on the Queens Interlocking modernization project.
We expect to start running new trains on the new track later this year. Along with East Side Access and the Ronkonkoma Branch Double Track projects, we will be able to run a lot more trains through the corridor, including new reverse peak options.
Service change schedule
There will be no trains between Jamaica and Hicksville on the following weekends, starting at 12:15 a.m. Saturday morning.
On Friday night, buses will replace trains between East Williston and Mineola starting at 10 p.m.
Normal service resumes at 2:30 a.m. on Monday morning.
- July 9-11
- July 30-August 1
- August 6-8
Special timetables will be in effect on all branches on these weekends. We are adding more trains to the Babylon Branch to help you get around, and there are minor departure/connection time changes on other branches.
This summer's work includes:
- Installing new switches and reconfiguring tracks near Mineola
- Waterproofing a bridge in Carle Place
- Testing new signals and switches near Queens Village
- Installing long-lasting concrete ties on the existing two tracks between Mineola and Carle Place for a smoother ride
How to get around
Port Jefferson Branch
Trains will only run east of Hicksville. They will run every hour as far as Huntington, and every two hours to Port Jefferson.
At Hicksville, a special shuttle train will be available to Babylon, where service to and from Penn Station and Jamaica is available.
This detour will add an hour to your trip, so we recommend that you take the Port Washington, Hempstead, Babylon, or Montauk Branches if you can.
Ronkonkoma Branch
Trains will run between Hicksville and Ronkonkoma once an hour. East of Ronkonkoma, trains will run on an adjusted schedule.
At Hicksville, a special double-decker shuttle train will be available to Babylon, where service to and from Penn Station and Jamaica is available.
Bethpage riders: Only the special shuttle train will stop at Bethpage. If you are going toward NYC, you will need to board the eastbound train on Platform B, toward Babylon. If you are going toward Ronkonkoma, board the westbound train on Platform A to Hicksville and transfer there for electric trains to Ronkonkoma.
This detour will add an hour to your trip, so we recommend that you take the Babylon or Montauk Branches if you can.
Oyster Bay Branch
Trains will run between East Williston and Oyster Bay only.
On Friday night from 10 p.m. to midnight, a bus shuttle connects East Williston to Mineola, where train service is available.
On Saturday and Sunday, the bus shuttle will extend to Hempstead, where train service to and from Jamaica and Penn Station is available.
Using the bus will add up to an hour to your trip, so we recommend that you take the Port Washington or Hempstead Branches if you can.
Mineola, Carle Place, and Westbury stations
These stations will be closed. Your LIRR ticket will be accepted on the NICE n22 and n24 bus routes for travel between Mineola and Hicksville, including stops near Westbury and Carle Place.
Tickets will also be accepted on the n40/41 bus between Mineola and Hempstead, where you can transfer to train service to and from points west.
If you are traveling between midnight and 5 a.m., a special shuttle bus will run between Mineola and Hicksville, making no stops in between.
To avoid busing, use the Hempstead or Babylon Branches instead.
New Hyde Park and Merillon Avenue stations
These stations will be closed. Use the nearby Stewart Manor or Nassau Boulevard stations on the Hempstead Branch instead.
Plan your trip
Use the LIRR TrainTime app to view departure times and plan your trip. You can also download the special timetable for your branch.
Completed weekends
2022
- January 22-23
- February 12-13
- March 19-20
- March 26-28
- April 2-4
- April 9-11
- April 23-24
- April 30-May 2
- May 14-16
- May 21-23
2021
- January 9-10
- January 16-17
- February 6-7
- February 27-28
- March 13
- April 10
- April 24-25
- May 1-2
- June 12-14
- June 26-28
- July 10-12
- September 11-12
- September 18-29
- October 23-24
- October 30-31