From ABC7 New York · · 1m 20s
LIRR Restores Ronkonkoma Branch Service
LIRR restores Ronkonkoma Branch service ahead of AM rush with delays expected.
In brief
LIRR restores Ronkonkoma Branch service ahead of AM rush with delays expected. LIRR restored Ronkonkoma Branch service between Farmingdale and Hicksville after downed utility poles caused disruptions, but riders face delays as crews repair damage. Originally reported by ABC7 New York.
Service Restored
LIRR has restored service on the Ronkonkoma Branch between Farmingdale and Hicksville with the first eastbound train reaching Ronkonkoma after departing Penn Station at 12:40 a.m.
Delays Expected
Riders should expect residual delays and cancellations Thursday morning as crews reposition personnel and equipment, and are encouraged to check the TrainTime app before traveling.
Downed Utility Poles
Downed utility poles and power lines west of Bethpage caused major LIRR disruptions on the Ronkonkoma Branch Wednesday evening.
Service Impact
There is no train service on the Ronkonkoma Branch at the Bethpage station, or between Hicksville and Farmingdale.
LIRR President Statement
LIRR President Robb Free said downed high voltage transmission lines arched when coming into contract with the LIRR tracks and actually burns and melts to a certain degree the running rails.
Repair Timeline
Officials hope to have service restored for the Thursday morning commute, but riders should allow for extra time and consider alternate branches like Port Jefferson, Babylon, or Montauk.
At a glance
LIRR restored Ronkonkoma Branch service between Farmingdale and Hicksville after downed utility poles caused disruptions, but riders face delays as crews repair damage.
