Buses replace trains on LIRR’s Far Rockaway branch this weekend

Train service will be suspended for switch surfacing, drainage and rail replacement work

MTA Long Island Rail Road customers planning to ride the Far Rockaway Branch this Saturday evening through Sunday are advised to allow up to an hour extra travel time as buses replace trains during the resurfacing of a key switching point.

Buses will replace trains on the Far Rockaway Branch from 6:15 PM this Saturday, October 8 through 12:05 AM on Monday, October 10.

The work will require the suspension of train service between Far Rockaway and Valley Stream for approximately 30 hours and entails the realignment of track and switches as well as drainage improvements in Far Rockaway and the replacement of running rails on a stretch of track east of Valley Stream, resulting in a smoother ride and better service reliability.

On Saturday night the last eastbound train departure before the service suspension will be the 5:12 PM from Atlantic Terminal, scheduled to arrive in Far Rockaway at 6:05 PM. Also on Saturday night, the last westbound departure before the service suspension will be the 5:50 PM train from Far Rockaway, scheduled to arrive at Atlantic Terminal at 6:42 PM.

Eastbound – Saturday evening, Oct. 8 through Monday, Oct. 10 at 12:05 AM

After 6:15 PM Saturday, eastbound customers will travel by train as far as Valley Stream and then board buses to complete the rest of their journey, arriving at their destinations up to 34 minutes later than usual.

Westbound – Saturday evening, Oct. 8 through Monday, Oct. 10 at 12:05 AM

After 6:15 PM Saturday, westbound customers will board buses up to 51 minutes later than usual at their home stations to Valley Stream where train service will resume. Passengers can expect to arrive at their destinations up to 63 minutes later than usual.

Passengers taking the westbound trains that would normally depart Far Rockaway at 12:42 AM, and 1:38 AM on Sunday, October 9 -- at stations Far Rockaway through Gibson -- will change at Valley Stream for local bus service to Rosedale, Laurelton and Locust Manor.

Passengers taking the westbound train that normally departs Far Rockaway at 1:38 AM will instead board buses to Jamaica where train service will resume.

Far Rockaway customers are advised to pick up the special Far Rockaway timetable for travel on October 8 & 9.

Far Rockaway customers can also consult the LIRR’s website at www.mta.info/lirr or contact the LIRR's Travel Information Center at 718-217-5477 (718-217-LIRR). If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use your preferred relay service provider or the free 711 relay to reach LIRR at 718-217-5477.