A Long Island Rail Road train derailment Monday night damaged a stretch of tracks west of the Jamaica station, requiring repairs that are expected to disrupt service for the next several days.
Eleven regularly scheduled LIRR trains were canceled and five were diverted to Brooklyn during the Tuesday morning rush-hour commute while crews work to removed the train and began the track repairs.
“I couldn’t tell you how long this may take, but it will not be over today,” said Aaron Donavan, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. He’s hopeful that there will fewer delays and cancellations during the Tuesday evening commute.
Donovan said about 3,700 feet of third rail will have to be replaced along with a stretch of track and about 1,600 concrete ties.
No passengers were aboard the westbound eight-car train destined for Penn Station when the last four cars derailed in Rego Park at about 9 p.m. Monday.
The crew members aboard were not injured. The cause of the derailment is under investigation.
For more information, riders can call 511 or visit www.mta.info/lirr
