Weather-related issues snarl LIRR commutes across multiple branches
The disruptions are impacting multiple branches of the Long Island Rail Road as commuters head back to work today.
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Commuters on the Long Island Rail Road faced widespread delays and cancellations Tuesday caused by switch problems and equipment shortages across several branches.
On the Oyster Bay Branch, riders were forced to take shuttle buses between Mineola and East Williston earlier in the day after weather-related switch issues disrupted service. While train service on the branch was later restored, some delays continued, and at least one passenger said the disruption made them late for work.
“The way it seems, I’ll probably be a little bit late,” said commuter Cedric Buschfrers. “I guess they could have planned better.”
“They canceled my morning train to the city, so I had to take a different train,” said passenger Harold Coronel. “So there were cancellations.”
At the Mineola station, track workers were seen using switch heaters — natural gas burners that intentionally set switches on fire — to prevent them from freezing in the extreme cold. News 12 attempted to speak with LIRR President Rob Free regarding the evening commute, but MTA officials said he was not available.
An MTA spokesperson said crews were actively monitoring switches and making repairs in the snow as needed.
Weather problems also affected infrastructure beyond the tracks. At the Nassau Boulevard station in Garden City, workers had to repair a crossing gate that was malfunctioning due to the cold. The gate was lowering to stop traffic but was not fully rising afterward. An MTA police officer was on scene to ensure the crossing remained safe.
Despite the disruptions, some riders expressed understanding.
“I think they’re doing the best they can,” said passenger Patrick Macri.
The LIRR reported delays and cancellations during the evening commute on the Oyster Bay, Ronkonkoma, Port Jefferson and Montauk branches.
The MTA says a shortage of diesel equipment, blamed on weather conditions, impacted service on the Port Jefferson Branch Tuesday evening.
On the Ronkonkoma Line, switch trouble forced at least three trains to skip stops in Mineola, Carle Place and Westbury. Riders were required to transfer at Hicksville to continue their trips.
The MTA says it does not anticipate any service issues for Wednesday's commute but encourages riders to check the MTA TrainTime app for the latest updates.
The MTA is asking riders to check their TrainTime app for the latest schedule changes.
