The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has acquired a key piece of property in Port Jefferson Station, a move that officials say could eventually support major improvements along the Long Island Rail Road's Port Jefferson branch.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the MTA has purchased 46 acres of land from the former Lawrence Aviation site in Port Jefferson Station. The property could serve as the future location of a rail yard, an important component of any long-term effort to electrify the branch and expand service.

The Port Jefferson branch, which runs through Suffolk County's North Shore, is a diesel-operated section of the LIRR. Riders have complained about delays, limited service and slower travel times compared to electrified portions of the railroad.

Transportation advocates and MTA officials say the acquisition is a significant first step toward modernizing the line, even though no specific construction projects are currently planned.

"What we have now is a site at the end of the line where we can store trains," said MTA Board Member Marc Herbst. "If you're going to be adding more trains, electrifying the line, increasing the capacity, you need a place where you can set them aside."

A rail yard would be necessary to support more frequent service and additional train capacity. However, the MTA does not currently have funding or approved plans for electrification, double-tracking or other major infrastructure improvements that would require such a facility.

Still, transit advocates view the land acquisition as an important investment in the branch's future.

"It's extremely important," said Gerard Bringmann, chairman of the LIRR Commuter Council.

Bringmann said the most significant upgrade for the branch would be the addition of a second track, which would allow trains to operate more efficiently and more frequently.

"There really wouldn't be much benefit to electrifying without double tracking," Bringmann said. "The double tracking would be huge."

The newly acquired property also includes a portion of the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail. If a rail yard is ultimately built on the site, the trail would be relocated.

The MTA's current capital plan includes a study examining potential improvements to the Port Jefferson branch.