MTA Breaks Ground on New LIRR Yaphank Station
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
MTA Chair & CEO Janno Lieber, LIRR President Rob Free, and MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer join local officials at a ground breaking ceremony on Thursday, Apr 3, 2025 on the site of a future LIRR Greenport branch station that will eventually replace the existing Yaphank station to the west.
(Marc A. Hermann / MTA)
YAPHANK, N.Y. - The MTA broke ground on the new Yaphank Long Island Rail Road station. It will be relocated, closer to East End highways and the Brookhaven National Laboratory.
According to the release from the MTA, the station will be brought up to ADA standards and include a parking lot with space for 50 cars, a plaza area with information on train schedules, and a Help Point intercom located on the platform. Crews will install utilities in the coming weeks with construction expected to begin in Q2 2026. Once the new, relocated station is complete, crews will demolish the current Yaphank Station.
Currently, the station is located on the Ronkonkoma Branch in Suffolk County and sees low ridership. Based on the geography of the surrounding area, opportunities for expansion are limited. With relocating the station, there is the opportunity for improvements. The MTA states the new platform will be able to accommodate two train cars. Funding for the $20 million project comes from the MTA capital program.
MTA News Conference Announcing the New LIRR Yaphank Station Groundbreaking
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “The old Yaphank station dates back to 1844, and today’s riders deserve a modern transit hub that’s closer to the action. The new station will deliver a 21st century experience while connecting riders to the best service in LIRR’s 190-year history.”
Long Island Rail Road President Rob Free said, “The LIRR is helping build Long Island by providing the best customer experience for people to get to jobs and activities throughout the region. A convenient new location, near local highways and the modern amenities that come with the new station will make it easier for businesses to attract more people and strengthen the local economy.”
MTA President of Construction and Development Jamie Torres-Springer said, ”Riders in eastern Suffolk deserve a more convenient and modern transit hub, and we’re ready to deliver one better, faster and cheaper than ever before. Yaphank can look forward to a fully accessible station with modern amenities that will anchor this neighborhood for generations to come.”
