New round of Penn Station track work starts Monday

A new round of track work at Penn Station could complicate commutes starting Monday.

While only one track will be out of service at any given time, the work will again mean service changes, diverted trains and inconveniences for passengers.

The MTA announced that it will reroute five of the 98 morning rush hour trains that normally go to Penn Station and three of the 86 evening rush hour trains that normally depart from Penn Station.

To reduce the impact, the LIRR is adding five trains before or after rush hours. The LIRR is also adding cars to five trains to increase seating capacity.

But the track work comes during the bitterly cold and snowy winter months, which have already caused delays and cancellations. Critics of the MTA say the repair work will bring a winter of discontent for commuters.
LIRR officials say customers should look to timetables in effect for Monday, Jan. 8 for details on schedule changes.