LIRR Upgrades Signals to Strengthen Service Reliability
LIRR eastbound trains skip UBS Arena station this weekend for signal upgrades
UBS Arena Station Skipped This Weekend
Riders heading to UBS Arena this weekend will need alternate routes as eastbound trains skip the station. The Long Island Rail Road announced the service change Thursday, citing signal upgrade work in the area. Officials didn't specify which specific train lines will be affected or how many trains typically serve the station on weekends.
Signal Upgrades Drive Service Change
The station skip is part of ongoing infrastructure improvements to the railroad's signal system, transit officials said. Signal upgrades are critical for maintaining safe and reliable train operations, though the agency didn't provide details about the scope of work or how long the project has been underway. Officials classified the disruption as high-severity, indicating significant impact on weekend riders. The LIRR typically schedules major infrastructure work during weekends to minimize weekday commuter disruptions.
Alternative Routes Available
Passengers traveling from Jamaica can use cross-honored MTA buses to reach the UBS Arena area, officials said. Riders can also take westbound trains and transfer at Jamaica or Mineola stations to reach their destinations, with no additional fare charged for the transfers. Officials didn't specify which bus routes will provide the cross-honored service or how frequently buses will run during the weekend. The agency said the alternatives are designed to minimize inconvenience, though travel times weren't provided.
Weekend-Only Disruption
The service change affects only weekend service, with the skip beginning Saturday and continuing through Sunday, transit officials said. A specific end time for the disruption on Sunday wasn't provided. Officials didn't say whether similar weekend service changes will be needed in coming weeks as signal work continues. The agency typically provides advance notice of planned service disruptions, though details about future weekend impacts weren't available.
Plan Extra Travel Time
Riders heading to events at UBS Arena or nearby destinations should plan extra time for their trips this weekend, officials said. The station serves as a key access point for the arena, which hosts concerts and sporting events. Moovit provides real-time updates for LIRR service and can help riders navigate alternative routes during the disruption. Officials encouraged passengers to check for updates before traveling, though they didn't specify how far in advance riders should plan their trips.
