On a rainy, muddy day in Shirley, the MTA broke ground on construction of a new, modernized Long Island Rail Road stop in Shirley.
The new station will replace the Yaphank station along the Ronkonkoma line.
MTA and LIRR officials touted the new station's location as a potential boost for local businesses, including Brookhaven National Lab.
The new station is expected to be completed by the middle of 2026.
The name of the stop has not yet been decided, the MTA says.
The Yaphank station will continue to operate until the new stop is up and running.