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MTA Metro-North Railroad plans to implement schedule changes next month that will result in the "most ambitious" service expansion in its 30-year history, railroad officials announced yesterday.

Starting April 7, Metro-North will add 187 weekend and off-peak trains each week — a 5.6 percent service increase when combined with the 56 trains added last October, Metro-North officials said in a prepared statement.

"By adding off-peak and weekend trains and by adding stops at key stations, we are able to increase frequency and provide faster trip times systemwide," said President Howard Permut.

Key improvements will include 85 additional weekday and 22 additional weekend trains on the Hudson Line; 65 additional weekday and six additional weekend trains on the Harlem Line; and nine additional weekend trains on the New Haven Line.

Meanwhile, Metro-North's Port Jervis Line reconstruction project has received a 2013 Diamond Award in the transportation category from the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York.

The award recognizes the railroad's rebuilding of the line following Tropical Storm Irene, which struck on Aug. 28, 2011, and prompted flooding of the Ramapo River. The line sustained 40 washouts, significant damage to bridges and exposure of a subterranean signal cable. In addition, twisted track hung in the air and tons of ballast washed away.

Service was restored within three months, and all repairs were completed in spring 2012. Metro-North employees worked with contractors and engineers from AECOM, which designed the rebuild.

As a Diamond award recipient, Metro-North is in contention for the Empire Award, which will be given to the highest-rated project in the state of New York. The winner will be announced April 6.