Improvements to train station coincide with highway corridor

Construction began on the Bellport Long Island Rail Road train station on Thursday, June 25.

“The timing on this is perfect, because it falls right in line with all of the other major renovations, improvements, and infrastructure upgrades that we are coordinating in the Bellport area along the Montauk Highway corridor,” said local councilman Mike Loguercio (R-District 4).

The LIRR is upgrading the station with a new lighting infrastructure that is expected to continue for approximately two months. 

The additional improvements will include installing new lighting, underground, electrical cables, and light poles throughout the station area to improve safety and visibility for commuters. 

“Commuters can expect normal access to the parking lot through the duration of the project. No parking spaces will be removed or taken out of service while the work is underway,”  said Loguercio. 

Bellport Village mayor, Maureen Veitch, said of the upgrades, “Affordable housing and mass transit go hand-in-hand. If we want people to rely less on cars, we need more frequent train service and continued investment in stations and transit infrastructure. The improvements underway today are a welcome step forward. Improving accessibility and schedules will benefit not only Bellport residents, but communities across Long Island.”

The project is part of an investment from the LIRR on the South Fork, particularly the Montauk line.

Other key infrastructure and improvement projects on the Montauk line include:

South Fork Siding Extensions: The LIRR has been extending track “sidings” in Southampton to allow two trains to pass each other on the single-track eastern segment, paving the way for improved commuter shuttle service.

Hampton Bays Station Upgrades: The LIRR built a second temporary platform on the southern side of the station to let two trains unload simultaneously, providing operational flexibility and increased service for major events.

Yaphank Station Relocation: Ground was broken on a new, fully ADA-compliant station located three miles east of the existing Yaphank stop, featuring a two-car platform and new parking facilities closer to Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Babylon Station Overhaul: A major connection for the Montauk line, the LIRR completed a $127 million full structural reconstruction of the station platforms, adding new elevators, escalators, and upgraded accessibility.

System-Wide Signal Upgrades: Crews have been performing overnight trackside signal control upgrades and infrastructure renewal to increase reliability between Babylon and Sayville.

The Bellport Long Island Rail Road station was built in the summer of 1882 by the Brooklyn and Montauk Railroad. It survived through the 1950s as a replacement stop for neighboring closed stations before receiving a modern platform and depot between 1998 and 2001.

The station became a major substitute for neighboring towns when the LIRR closed both the Hagerman (1929) and Brookhaven (1958) stations.

In January 1959, the original station house was closed and subsequently razed in May 1964, replaced by a simple shelter shed.

In March 1998, strong community efforts were expressed and made to keep the station open after ridership had dropped.