LIRR service restored on Montauk branch after broken rail repaired

Train service on the Long Island Rail Road’s Montauk branch between Sayville and Patchogue has been restored after crews needed to repair a broken rail.

Service had been suspended Thursday night but by Friday morning, the LIRR website was reporting that it was running on or close schedule.

About 6:50 p.m. the MTA police were alerted to a broken rail between the two South Shore stations, according to a a spokesperson for the MTA police.

Buses were made available to shuttle riders between the stations, MTA said. On its website, customers were advised to "consider using alternate branches where possible, including the Ronkonkoma Branch, or to seek alternate forms of transportation."

Canceled trains included 6:31 p.m. service from Jamaica to Montauk and the 6:38 p.m. train from Babylon to Patchogue. The agency's website previously indicated that the westbound 7:31 p.m. train from Patchogue to Babylon was operating 30 to 35 minutes behind schedule.

The MTA spokesperson said the crews had hoped to complete repairs by the Friday morning commute.