$127 million LIRR station overhaul celebrated in Babylon as platforms fully open

Mission accomplished.

Well, almost.

MTA and county officials, construction crews and engineers gathered outside the Babylon LIRR station Wednesday to announce the $127 million overhaul of the busy South Shore station has just met a major milestone:

“We worked together with our partners at MTA Construction & Development to fully open the station’s platforms in time, and as scheduled, for summer service,” LIRR president Rob Free announced.

The ambitious project, years in the marking and budged at $127 million, started in September of 2024.

The major work has been done, and the rest will be completed by the end of this year.

“We share a special bond with this community, as we have been providing service here for 159 years,” Free said. “While new in comparison, the elevated station is about 62 years old. But with all that train services, and all those riders, the station was breaking down and it showed.

“This station has been transformed into a bright and modern facility that both our customers and the community can be proud of.”

Upgrades include:

• Two new elevators and two “renewed elevators,” bringing the total to four. (East end elevators will open soon.)
• All existing platform stairs have been rebuilt.
• New canopies and platform lighting.
• New communications and security systems.

“Amazingly, this was all done while providing continuous elevator service, minor service changes, and minimal customer impact,” Free said. “And we do thank our customers and the community for being patient as we delivered this magnificent facility.

“There is still construction to take place … throughout the rest of the year, but the major work is done.”

Still to come:

• Commission and turn over the east end set of elevators (mentioned).
• Complete the escalators (soon).
• Finish the canopy and station lighting.

Fun fact:

167 trains operate through the Babylon station, one of the Island’s busiest, every weekday.

More photos

by Mike White

Top: LIRR president Rob Free announces the platforms at the Babylon LIRR station are fully open and two new elevators are working, with two more coming online soon. (Credit: GLI/Mike White)