Broken Rail Halts LIRR Service, Disrupts Penn Station Access

Major disruptions struck the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) on Tuesday, attributed to a broken rail maintained by Amtrak in one of the East River tunnels. This incident significantly affected access to Penn Station, leading to considerable service alterations.
Service Changes Due to Broken Rail
Due to the broken rail, the LIRR diverted passenger service away from Penn Station. Passengers were rerouted to various alternative terminals, including:
- Grand Central Madison
- Atlantic Terminal
As a result, there was no direct train service available from Jamaica to Penn Station, according to announcements from the LIRR. The current disruptions coincide with ongoing tunnel work by Amtrak, which has further limited track capacity.
Alternate Travel Options
Travelers impacted by this disruption are encouraged to consider alternate routes. Passengers can transfer to the subway at the following stations:
- Grand Central
- Atlantic Terminal
- Jamaica
- Hunterspoint Avenue
- Long Island City
The LIRR has confirmed that tickets will be cross-honored on the subway, offering commuters a viable method to continue their journeys despite the inconveniences.
As the situation evolves, passengers are advised to stay updated on service changes through the LIRR’s official communications. The impact of the broken rail has been significant, affecting almost all LIRR branches that typically operate to Penn Station.




