By Lindsay Press
Construction has begun for the new Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station in Yaphank. The new location for the station will be moved closer to William Floyd Parkway, the Long Island Expressway, and Brookhaven National Laboratory. The $20 million project will be supported by funding from within the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Capital Program.
In addition, the new station will be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and offers several upgrades, including a parking lot with space for 50 cars will have an integrated bus loop to accommodate pickups and dropoffs; a plaza area with an information totem providing train schedules and bike rack; and a Help Point intercom on the platform.
In the upcoming weeks, the construction site will be graded and utilities will be added. Construction is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026 with the station expected to be commissioned soon after. After the new station is up and running, the existing Yaphank LIRR station, located on the Ronkonkoma branch in Suffolk County, will be demolished.
The project is valued at $20 million to execute the relocation of Yaphank Station and will be supported by funding from within the MTA capital program.
“The new Yaphank station promises to be a world-class, fully accessible experience that connects riders to additional amenities faster than ever before,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “Today, we are delivering for Long Islanders once again – continuing on the path to strengthen the local economy and bring these riders the modern, efficient transit experience they deserve.”
“The old Yaphank station dates back to 1844, and today’s riders deserve a modern transit hub that’s closer to the action,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “The new station will deliver a 21st century experience while connecting riders to the best service in LIRR’s 190-year history.”
LIRR 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, MTA’s president of construction and development, 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.”
Association for a Better Long Island Executive Director Kyle Strober said, “The relocation of the Yaphank LIRR station reflects the type of strategic investment in Long Island’s infrastructure that will pay economic dividends for decades to come.”
“Transformative rail projects are essential to the growth of Suffolk County’s economy,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said. “This initiative will open new doors for the region, help create jobs and improve our transportation infrastructure.”
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico said he introduced the idea when he was a town councilman. “Nearly a decade later, it is gratifying to see that what began as an idea is becoming a reality. Located in our bustling industrial park, this new station will also enhance connectivity to Brookhaven National Laboratory. We are grateful to all those who understood the vision and undertook the process to get this done.”