The Long Island Rail Road will be implementing new train schedules beginning Monday, March 7 on several South Shore branches. The schedule adjusts some off-peak and weekend trains because of ongoing and upcoming construction projects.
One of two tracks will be taken out of service between Rockville Centre and Valley Stream for the installation of new concrete railroad ties. This work will affect the Babylon and West Hempstead branches the weekends of March 12-13, and March 19-20. Babylon branch service will be reduced from half hourly to hourly. Buses will replace trains on the West Hempstead branch. Riders should expect up to 30 minutes of additional travel time.
Continuing reconstruction of the 150th Street Bridge in Jamaica will affect the Far Rockaway, Hempstead and Long Beach branches. This project will require one of two tracks between Jamaica and Valley Stream to be taken out of service during midday hours on weekdays. Departure times for some eastbound trains on to Far Rockaway and Hempstead, and trains in both directions on the Long Beach branch could be changed.