The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has finally embarked on constructing a new Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station in Yaphank, New York. The project, unveiled on April 3, 2025, will replace the current station, which has been operational since 1844. The new location will improve accessibility and serve the commuters better to vital points like Brookhaven National Laboratory.
The construction of the new station is anticipated to cost approximately $20 million and should be finished during the second quarter of 2026. Upon completion, the existing station will be shut down and dismantled.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber addressed the significance of the upgrade, stating that the old Yaphank station no longer meets the needs of today’s commuters. “This investment is about giving riders a station worthy of the modern age—one that makes connections easier and provides a much better transit experience,” Lieber said.
Governor Kathy Hochul shared the same opinion, deeming the new Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station in Yaphank a step towards enhanced mobility and economic development in the region. “Long Islanders deserve to have good, efficient transit, and this project is another step toward making that a reality. With better access and improved facilities, riders will have a more convenient, comfortable ride,” she said.
The new station will also include a 50-car parking lot, bus loop, bicycle racks, an information center, and a public safety interlock system. The relocated platform will accommodate two cars of train capacity—the same as the current station—and offer more connections to the Ronkonkoma Branch.
With its proximity to major roadways and commercial areas, officials anticipate higher ridership, so this station will be a savvy addition to the regional transportation network.
MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Project Factsheet: Yaphank Station Replacement
Project Overview
Project Type: New LIRR station construction
Location: Yaphank, New York
Status: Groundbreaking completed (April 4, 2025)
Purpose: Replace existing station (operating since 1844)
Budget: $20 million
Completion Timeline: Q2 2026
Post-Completion: Current station to be shut down and dismantled
New Yaphank Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station: Features & Improvements
Two-car platform capacity (matching current station)
50-car parking lot
Dedicated bus loop
Bicycle racks
Information hub
Safety intercom system
Improved connections to Ronkonkoma Branch
Strategic Benefits
Enhanced accessibility to major roadways
Better service to key destinations (including Brookhaven National Laboratory)
Improved transit experience for modern commuters
Anticipated increase in ridership
Strategic addition to regional transportation network
Read also: Additional US$7 billion in funding sought for California High-speed Rail
