MTA Announces Full Reconstruction of LIRR Babylon Station Platforms Ahead of Peak Summer Ridership

Project on Schedule and on Budget

Two New Elevators Installed and Operational

Modernization of Station Plaza and Platform Waiting Rooms Underway

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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority Long Island Rail Road today announced the full opening of both reconstructed 12-car platforms at the Babylon Station ahead of the peak ridership season. The reopening marks a key milestone in the major station renovation of the 62-year-old station that will deliver greater accessibility with four elevators (up from two), modern passenger amenities, and upgraded infrastructure when it is substantially completed in December 2026.

"Babylon customers will be glad to know the finish line is in sight for our major station renovation," said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. "The project's proceeding on time and on budget, and now that all platforms have been reopened, with virtually zero impact to riders."

"This is yet another project that demonstrates our commitment to Long Island as we continue to invest in our infrastructure to improve the customer experience," said Long Island Rail Road President Rob Free. "Construction was carefully phased so both platforms could reopen in time for the busy summer season, allowing all customers to benefit from the upgrades made so far with additional improvements still to come."

"We're transforming Babylon Station into a modern, reliable and accessible hub for Long Island riders," said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. "This project shows our commitment to smart, efficient construction that gives riders the improvements they deserve-all while maintaining the service they rely on."

Babylon is the terminal station on the Babylon Branch and a major connection point for Montauk and eastern Long Island. It is one of three stations in LIRR ADA Package 2, which also includes Forest Hills and Hollis stations. The project was phased in such a way to avoid construction during peak ridership months from May to September and the $125 million overhaul includes a host of improvements and repairs that'll make the station safer, more reliable, and more accessible.

Work Completed to Date.

Platform structural reconstruction was completed in two major 8-month phases and crews worked seven days a week to maintain the project on schedule and on budget. Construction operations for Phase 1 commenced in early September 2024 when the western end of both platforms closed, reducing the usual 12-car platforms to a six-car platform. When the project shifted to Phase 2 in September 2025, the eastern end of both platforms closed, and the newly enhanced western ends opened. A street-to-platform elevator was kept in service at all times

Below is a summary of the work completed so far:

• Full replacement of two 12-car platforms, totaling approx. 2,040 linear feet
• Installation of approximately 1,100 linear feet of new platform canopy
• Two new ADA-compliant elevators placed into service (September 2025)
• New platform lighting installed
• Initial station plaza upgrades completed, included paver installation and utility work
• Full replacement of eight stairwells (four per platform)

Work Remaining

• Remaining work will not require any more platform closures at Babylon. Both platforms will remain fully accessible to accommodate 12-car trains as the project advances toward substantial completion in December 2026.
• In addition to general punch list items, the following remains to be completed:
• Rehabilitation of the two existing elevators
• Replacement of two existing escalators
• Completion of platform waiting rooms and canopy finishes
• Station building ADA upgrades including bathroom renovations and building doors to ADA standards
• Railing replacement on viaduct
• Commissioning of the new automated snow and ice melting system that will keep the platform free of snow and ice during winter storms.
• Upgrades to the station plaza, including concrete work, new kiosks, updated signage, and new and improved lighting.
• Reconfiguration and improvement of parking in conformation with requirement of the Americans with Disabilities Act, including new curb cuts
• Installation of new communication and security systems