Modernization of the LIRR:
Valley Stream Switch and Signal Improvments Project
No Service Through Valley Stream - Weekend of October 24-25

- No Train Service through Valley Stream
- Buses Replace Some Trains, Other Trains Rerouted
- Allow 30-50 Minutes Extra Travel Time
- Special Timetables in Effect
- To Avoid Delays, Use North Shore and Main Line Branches

Here is what will be happening:

Customer Impacts
The final phase of the Valley Interlocking Switch & Signal Improvements Project will require a 48-hour suspension of train service on the weekend of October 24-25. As a result, there will be no train service through Valley Stream and all South Shore branches will be impacted. Buses will replace some trains, other trains will be re-routed, and special weekend timetables will be in effect.

To avoid delays, customers should use unaffected stations on the North Shore or Main Line branches if possible.

We urge you to plan ahead by reviewing the information below, picking up the special timetables, or by calling the LIRR’s 24-hour Travel Information Center at 516-822-LIRR; 631-231-LIRR; or 718-217-LIRR.

click on map to enlarge

Summary of Changes for Saturday,
October 24 & Sunday, October 25

Babylon Branch
Rockville Centre & Baldwin

• Buses will replace all trains between Baldwin, Rockville Centre & Jamaica
• Expect up to 30 minutes of added travel time

Freeport through Lindenhurst

• Westbound: Customers must travel east to go west, with hourly shuttle train service to Babylon. Customers will transfer at Babylon for a train traveling north through Hicksville to points west.
• Eastbound: Customers at Penn Station, Flatbush Avenue and Jamaica will board trains that operate through Hicksville to Babylon, then transfer to a westbound train making local stops from Lindenhurst to Freeport
• Expect up to 50 minutes of added travel time

Far Rockaway Branch

• Buses replace trains between Rosedale and Far Rockaway
• To avoid busing, Far Rockaway through Gibson customers can use LI Bus N31/32 to Hempstead, and transfer to the LIRR.
• Expect up to 40 minutes of added travel time

Long Beach Branch

• Buses replace trains between Jamaica and Lynbrook
• Shuttle trains will operate between Lynbrook and Long Beach
• Expect up to 50 minutes of added travel time

Montauk Branch

• Some trains will depart earlier than usual to accommodate extra stops/extra customers
• Some trains will be re-routed via the Main Line/Central Branch

West Hempstead Branch

• Buses will replace trains between Jamaica and West Hempstead
• Vans will replace trains between Jamaica and St. Albans
• To avoid busing, customers are advised to use the LIRR’s nearby Hempstead Branch
• Expect up to 45 minutes of added travel time

Greenport to Ronkonkoma

• Buses will replace trains between Greenport and Ronkonkoma
• Allow up to 40 minutes of added travel time
  
  
  

Designated Bus Stops

• Eastbound: Customers will board buses on Sutphin Blvd.
• Westbound: Customers will exit buses on Archer Avenue
• Extra LIRR personnel will be on hand to assist and direct customers

• Buses will depart from the south side of the station building (Sunrise Highway side)

 

• Buses will depart from the south side of the station building (Sunrise Highway side)

 

• Buses will depart from the south side of the station building

 

• Buses will depart from the south side of the elevated station (Sunrise Highway/South Conduit side)

 

• Vans will depart from the west side of the elevated station (Linden Blvd. side)

• Buses will depart from the south side of the station building (Sunrise Highway side)
  
  
  

Travel Tips

• Pick up special weekend timetables dated October 24-25
• Consider taking the Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Port Jefferson, Port Washington or Ronkonkoma Branches
• Allow 30-50 minutes of additional travel time
• Sign up for Customer E-Mail Alerts
• Monitor radio and TV traffic reports for updates
• Buy LIRR tickets in advance
• Listen for announcements about track and platform changes
• Leave bicycles at home. Bicycles will not be permitted on buses
• Look for LIRR personnel at key locations
  

We thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to complete these infrastructure improvements in the shortest time frame possible.

Valley Interlocking Switch & Signal Improvements Brochure (PDF)