Disabled LIRR train slows Ronkonkoma, Port Jeff line

Service on the Ronkonkoma and Port Jefferson branches of the Long Island Rail Road was temporarily suspended Wednesday after a nonpassenger train became disabled west of Hicksville, officials said.

The service suspension was brief, the railroad announcing service had been restored on both branches just before 7:20 a.m. But, the suspension impacted trains during the morning rush hour, causing issues for commuters on a day when service on the Port Jefferson branch was already scheduled for changes because of track testing.

Because of that testing, officials said that three midday eastbound trains and three midday westbound trains would be canceled, replaced by buses between Huntington and Port Jefferson. Customers were being asked to allow for 35 minutes of additional travel time.