Long Island Rail Road to trim overgrown trees and brush along the Far Rockaway line

In order to help keep the trains running on time and employees and passengers safe, the Long Island Rail Road will be trimming overgrown trees and vegetation along their Far Rockaway branch over the next few weeks.

According to the Metropolitan Transit Authority, it’s common for tree branches and limbs to grow into signal and communication lines, which could result in damage in storms. Overgrown tree limbs and bushes could also block the vision of conductors, and the falling leaves could create a slick surface on the train tracks.

The LIRR uses licensed tree service professionals to remove then branches, some of which may be located on private property, MTA officials said. More than 700 miles of track need to be maintained, and the MTA is responsible to remove invasive species, including but not limited to ailanthus, black locust, Norway maple, and bamboo. These species account for roughly two-thirds of vegetal growth along the tracks, according to MTA estimates.

The Far Rockaway branch includes stations at Inwood, Lawrence, Cedarhurst, Woodmere, Hewlett, Gibson and Valley Stream. Call the MTA’s office of government and community affairs at (718) 558-7767 with any questions or concerns regarding the program or properties that run along the tracks.