Tractor-trailer causes LIRR suspension on Ronkonkoma branch, driver cited, official says 

A tractor-trailer that failed to clear a grade crossing in Deer Park caused the Long Island Rail Road to suspend service on the Ronkonkoma branch for more than one hour Tuesday morning, a railroad spokesman said.

The incident occurred at the Grant Avenue crossing and resulted in a suspension of service between Ronkonkoma and Farmingdale from 7:57 a.m. until 9:02 a.m., Metropolitan Transportation Authority deputy communications director Aaron Donovan said.

Service is now back on schedule, the rail road said.

Donovan said the incident did not involve any contact with LIRR trains and said there were no reported injuries. Responding MTA police issued the driver a summons for obstructing the crossing, Donovan said.

Police found the driver failed to execute a turn onto Grant Avenue, resulting in the rig being unable to clear the tracks, Donovan said.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”