LIRR back on schedule after broken rail delays commute

A broken rail in Queens delayed rush-hour trains during Wednesday's evening commute, and crews were expected to make repairs overnight, a LIRR spokeswoman said.

The problem, east of Queens Village, was discovered about 6:10 p.m., said Marjorie Anders, a spokeswoman for the Long Island Rail Road.

"We do not expect it to impact the morning rush hour," she said.

Trains were back on schedule by 9 p.m., after the broken rail caused about 10- to 15-minute delays on at least six rush-hour trains, affecting rides in both directions, LIRR officials said.

Anders said there are two tracks in the Queens Village area, so trains had to wait to use the single, working track.

Westbound trains bypassed the Queens Village and Hollis stations, giving eastbound rush-hour trains priority, the commuter railroad said.

Buses had been dispatched to those stations to transport passengers going west, Anders said.

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