Overview
Locust Valley station is a commuter rail station on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Montauk Branch, located in the hamlet of Locamore (commonly referred to as Locust Valley) in Nassau County, New York, United States. The station serves the community of Locust Valley and surrounding neighborhoods, providing passenger service between Penn Station in Manhattan, Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn, and various stations on Long Island.
Location
- Address: 5662 Jericho Turnpike (NY 106), Locust Valley, NY 11560
- Coordinates: 40°49′38″N 73°35′35″W
Lines and Service
- LIRR Montauk Branch (East of the junction with the Oyster Bay Branch)
- Regular weekday service includes both eastbound and westbound trains; weekend service is less frequent.
- Connections: Local bus routes operated by Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) stop near the station.
Station Layout
- Platforms: One high-level side platform serving a single track (Track 2).
- Accessibility: The station is not fully ADA‑compliant; there is no elevator or ramp for wheelchair access.
- Amenities: Shelters, seating, a ticket vending machine, and a small parking lot operated by the LIRR. Bicycle racks are available.
History
- Opening: The station began operations on June 1, 1869, as part of the original LIRR expansion to serve the then‑rural area of Locust Valley.
- Architectural notes: The original 19th‑century wooden depot was replaced in the early 20th century with a modest brick structure; the current platform shelter dates from a 1990s renovation.
- Service changes: Throughout the 20th century, the station experienced periods of reduced service, especially during World War II and the 1970s budget cuts, but has remained in continuous operation since its inception.
Ridership
- According to LIRR annual ridership reports, the station recorded an average weekday boardings figure of approximately 400 passengers in 2022, reflecting modest use relative to larger suburban stations.
Parking and Access
- The station’s parking lot offers roughly 120 permit spaces and a limited number of daily‑pay spaces.
- Drop‑off and pick‑up zones are located on both sides of the tracks adjacent to the platform.
Future Plans
- The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has included Locust Valley station in its long‑range capital program assessments, evaluating potential upgrades for improved accessibility and platform lengthening to accommodate longer trains. No definitive project schedule has been announced.
References
- Long Island Rail Road, “Station History: Locust Valley,” MTA official website, accessed 2024.
- “2022 LIRR Annual Ridership Report,” Metropolitan Transportation Authority, 2023.
- “Nassau County Transportation Planning Board, Transportation Facilities Inventory,” 2021.
This entry reflects information available from publicly released LIRR and MTA sources as of 2024.
