Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Long Island Rail Road will suspend service on the Hempstead and Oyster Bay branches this weekend, as crews complete work on the Queens Interlocking Signal Modernization project near Elmont-UBS Arena.
The project includes installing new switches and signals that will allow trains to operate at increased speeds and improve reliability for eastbound Huntington and Ronkonkoma Branch trains serving Elmont-UBS Arena.
“This work will modernize and improve service reliability through a critical junction within our system,” LIRR President Rob Free said. “It will also improve the customer experience long after this short-term disruption. In the meantime, we urge customers to plan ahead and allow themselves extra travel time.”
The Hempstead Branch will stop operating at 8 p.m. Friday. Shuttle buses will run between Jamaica and Hempstead, with stops at Floral Park, Stewart Manor, Nassau Boulevard and Garden City.
Oyster Bay Branch service will end at 10 p.m. Friday. Shuttle buses will operate between Jamaica and Oyster Bay in two service zones. One route will serve Jamaica, Mineola, East Williston and stations through Greenvale. The second route will serve Jamaica, Mineola, Glen Head and stations through Oyster Bay.
Beginning at 10 p.m. Friday, Port Jefferson and Ronkonkoma Branch trains will operate only between Hicksville and stations east. There will be no train service at New Hyde Park, Merillon Avenue, Carle Place or Westbury during the service changes.
The LIRR is advising riders to use the Babylon, Montauk, West Hempstead or Port Washington branches where possible and check the TrainTime app for final train schedules before the service changes take effect, as well as updated schedules and alternate travel options.
Regular service is scheduled to resume by 4:30 a.m. on Monday.
