New LIRR Timetables Take Effect Monday

New LIRR timetables take effect Monday, reflecting off-peak schedule changes as a result of the LIRR’s annual warm weather maintenance program.

The new timetables will remain in effect from May 16 to September 11, the LIRR said in a statement on its website.

The statement also assured customers that the bulk of the work is scheduled for off-peak periods, such as midday during the week and on weekends. However, customers using affected branches are advised to allow extra travel time when planning a trip.

Maintenance projects include the installation of a new running rail on the Babylon branch – which runs through Lindenhurst.

This means:

• Service is reduced to hourly at Amityville, Copiague and Lindenhurst stations during midday periods.
• Midday weekdays one of two tracks will be out of service between Amityville and Babylon to allow for the installation of new continuous welded rail.
• Two local trains will operate in each direction each hour.
• Express trains are canceled, and the Montauk Branch midday connections at Babylon will depart five to nine minutes earlier to accommodate these changes.

Tie replacement work on the main line, Babylon and Montauk branches that caused timetable changes between March 7 and May 15 has been completed, said the LIRR, and schedules have been restored to their normal times at all affected stations.

Other maintenance projects causing the schedule changes this summer include the installation of new railroad ties on the main line and Far Rockaway branches, the replacement of third rail and the painting of a bridge on the Port Washington branch and the resurfacing of switches on the main line and Atlantic branches.

The new timetables also include several service enhancements, said the LIRR, including the restoration of service to Belmont Park and a new connection for Atlantic Terminal that’s available for a Babylon train, and Hempstead train, at Jamaica at 4:42 a.m., arriving at Atlantic Terminal at 4:49 a.m.

Customers can pick up the new timetables at stations and terminals or go to the LIRR website. They can also contact the LIRR's Travel Information Center at 718-217-5477 (718-217-LIRR). Hearing impaired customers can use the free 711 relay at 718-217-5477.