The LIRR Expansion Project has reached a major milestone. In August and September, we will open the new third track in three segments.
For the past two years, eastbound riders at New Hyde Park, Merillon Avenue, Mineola, Carle Place, and Westbury stations have been using a wooden platform to board trains. Underneath this platform is the new third track. Before we can start running trains on the new track, we will need to remove the wooden platforms, complete the track and signal system, and perform tests.
While we complete this work, there will be major changes to eastbound service at these stations. At times, we may not be able to stop at your station, and you will need to transfer to a bus at an alternate station to reach your intended destination. We may also have temporary gangways installed, which means you will need to be in the front of the train to exit.
To give our crews more time and space to work, and to minimize inconvenience, we may run trains in both directions on Track 3 when the schedule permits, especially at night and midday. Please use our TrainTime app, watch station signage, and listen for announcements to stay informed about track changes.
On several weekends during this time, trains will not run between Jamaica and Hicksville to support this effort.
Carle Place and Westbury Stations
Starting Monday, September 12, you must be in the first six cars to exit eastbound trains at Carle Place as we begin removing the temporary wooden platform. Between September 19 and 30, boarding locations may change and temporary platforms will be used for some trains at both stations. Please allow additional time to access the eastbound platform. No schedule or service changes will be required on weekdays.
At Westbury, the underpass will be closed intermittently on weekday middays to allow us to finish construction. Please use the Post Avenue underpass instead to cross the tracks.
New Hyde Park, Merillon Avenue, and Mineola Stations
We opened the first section of the new track at New Hyde Park and Merillon Avenue on Monday, August 15 and at Mineola on Tuesday, August 30.
The new track is known as Track 2. This new number appears on screens and the TrainTime app instead of Track 1, which is now the center track. The northern (usually westbound) track is still known as Track 3.
At Mineola, all eastbound trains to Oyster Bay will depart from Track 3 on the north side of the station. In addition, the 8:06 a.m. train from Jamaica to Oyster Bay will no longer run. Buses will connect with the 7:37 a.m. train from Penn Station to Ronkonkoma at Mineola for service to all stations along the branch.