Long Island Rail Road - Planned Service Expansions

Planned Service Expansions

• In 2019, the LIRR expects to complete the long-anticipated East Side Access project, which would allow LIRR trains to access Grand Central Terminal for the first time in the railroad's history.

• In 2019, the LIRR expects to complete a project to add a second track along its Main Line between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma to relieve crowding on that portion of the Main Line. (Currently there is only one track with passing sidings between Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma, except that there are two tracks from Deer Park to Brentwood.) Later plans may extend electrification towards Yaphank in order to build a new yard facility to store MU trains. Stations on this portion of the Main Line were modified in the late 1990s for future electrification.

• The Third Main Line Track and electrification expansions which were planned in conjunction with the commencement of service to Grand Central Terminal were placed on hold in 2008 since communities in the affected areas, between Floral Park and Hicksville, were opposed to the plan due to concerns about the effects of the construction and eventual increase in service. The third track on the Main Line would aid in relieving the crowding on the Main Line which is expected to grow after the East Side Access project is complete. It also includes the elimination of grade crossings.