Babylon LIRR Station Opens New 12-Car Platforms Ahead Of Schedule

BABYLON, NY — Newly reconstructed 12-car platforms have opened at the Long Island Rail Road’s Babylon Station, marking a major milestone in the ongoing modernization of one of the railroad’s busiest transportation hubs.

The platforms opened two weeks ahead of schedule and in time for the busy summer travel season, according to Forte Construction Corp., the contractor overseeing the work in collaboration with lead designer AECOM, MTA Construction & Development and the LIRR.

Subscribe

The project involved replacing the station’s more than 60-year-old platforms while maintaining train and elevator service throughout construction, Forte officials said.

“Babylon Station is a vital station within our network; 167 trains operate through this station every weekday,” LIRR President Rob Free said during a June 3 news conference attended by MTA officials, local leaders and labor representatives.

The Babylon Branch served 13.4 million customers in 2025, making it the LIRR’s second-busiest branch, according to MTA data provided by Forte.

“In roughly two years’ time, this station has been transformed into a bright and modern facility that both our customers and the community can be proud of,” Free said. “Amazingly, this was all done while providing continued elevator service, minor service changes and minimal customer impact.”

Babylon Station serves approximately 5,000 riders each day and acts as a transfer point for Montauk Branch trains and destinations across eastern Long Island, Forte said.

The current elevated station opened in 1964, though rail service in Babylon dates to 1867, when the community was served by the South Side Railroad of Long Island.

The station improvements are part of a $227 million project that also includes work at the Hollis and Forest Hills stations in Queens.

At Babylon, the project includes replacing two existing elevators to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, replacing two escalators and installing two new ADA-accessible elevators. Parking improvements and new accessible paths of travel are also planned.

“Babylon Station serves thousands of riders each day and is a vital transportation hub for Long Island,” Forte Project Manager Dan Villandre said.

Ongoing work includes the installation of precast concrete systems, automated snow- and ice-melting equipment, new canopy structures and upgraded lighting, Forte said.

“Delivering a project of this magnitude while maintaining uninterrupted rail service required careful planning, constant coordination and an unwavering commitment to safety,” Villandre said. “Successfully reconstructing and opening the station’s new 12-car platforms ahead of schedule is a testament to the dedication of our project team and the strong partnership between our crews, the MTA and the Long Island Rail Road.”

Additional work is expected to continue through the end of the year, including elevator and escalator improvements, communication and security upgrades, plaza-level renovations, signage, lighting and architectural finishes.

“The Long Island Rail Road is a vital lifeline for so many folks and a main component of our economy,” said Rob Calarco, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s assistant secretary for Long Island intergovernmental affairs.

The Babylon Station work is part of the LIRR’s ADA Package 2 project, a multi-station accessibility initiative that also includes the Forest Hills and Hollis stations.

“This improvement today will not only make sure that riders have a great experience, but make sure that all of our riders, regardless of their abilities, are able to get up to that platform and take the train and take advantage of these great services,” Calarco said.