Amtrak in partnership with NJ Transit and in conjunction with New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has taken a major step forward in redesigning New York’s Penn Station with the awarding of a contract to Arup, a renowned multinational engineering.
The acclaimed engineering firm will begin the intricate process of designing and submitting a variety of station expansion concepts for platforms, tracks and concourses for the Northeast Corridor that will (after almost a century), link New York Penn Station with other neighboring communities within the region along the bustling corridor.
The expansion project is a vital part of the Gateway Program that was temporarily stalled because of the COVID-19. However, with the award of the contract to Arup, the project could begin as early as this year.
Multinational engineering firm ready to begin expansion concepts
The plan thus far would roughly double the number of trains funneled into Penn Station from the west, which would in-turn, relieve a major cause of bottlenecks within the Northeast Corridor. The infrastructure expansion would dramatically ease congestion with an improved and reliable railway system within one of the nation’s busiest corridors.
“Beginning the design of Penn Station expansion on the heels of (the recent) announcement by Governors (Kathy) Hochul and (Phil) Murphy shows that the new era for New York train travelers and commuters is no longer on the horizon – it’s here now and we are getting to work,” said Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia. “An expansion of the tracks and platforms at Penn Station will help reduce our carbon footprint, create new jobs, and improve how people in the region work, live and travel.”
Project Focus
Stephen Gardner, Amtrak CEO weighed in on expansion project, stating “New York Penn Station is tremendously important to Amtrak, and as owners of the facility we are committed to ensuring its future for a new generation of intercity rail travelers and daily commuters.”
“We are eager to begin this important work with our partners that will help unlock service increases under the Gateway Program,” Gardner added. “Together we can develop a modern, holistic vision for an expanded station that integrates with an improved Penn Station and the community and improves the whole station experience.”
The initial designs by Arup will focus on producing new tracks and station platforms that meet Federal environmental standards. The engineering firm, a consulting and design firm headquartered in London with over 90 satellite offices across 35 countries around the world, will focus on developing escalators and other vertical circulation elements, pedestrian concourses, and connections to existing and future facilities as well.
Commuter Demand
Arup design team of engineers and consultants will also coordinate closely with Amtrak’s other designers and planners on various overarching projects within the Gateway Program, ensuring a seamless scheduling process for all parties concerned.
The design portion of the project is expected to take approximately two years and cost roughly $73 million.
NJ Transit President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett said, “The expansion of Penn Station New York is critical to ensuring the preeminence of the New York region as the center of global commerce. Ridership has tripled from 200,000 in 1968 to 600,000 today.”
Plan for Growth
“The existing station, even when fully renovated, will still be woefully inadequate to meet current demand much less the anticipated growth for the coming decades,” said Corbett. “This design work is the foundation upon which this vital expansion project will be built and sets the stage to realizing the full benefits the Gateway Program will deliver to this region.”
The railroad designs by the Arup team will be evaluated as part of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, including requirements for public comment and engagement.
If approved, by the MTA along with support from Amtrak and NJ Transit, the project could begin as soon as this year.
Environmental Approval Needed
Arup’s design team has successfully developed and implemented some of the most iconic projects around the world; including Hudson Yards and Second Avenue Subway in New York; HS2 Euston Station in London; Fulton Center; Southern Cross and Metro Martin Place in Australia; Kings Cross Station in London; and the Union Square Development at Kowloon Station in Hong Kong.
The Penn Station expansion project was recently reviewed by Tri-State Transportation Campaign, a non-profit policy and advocacy organization headquartered in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The nonpartisan group provides comprehensive data and policy analysis regarding complex policy issues, hoping to influence public discourse throughout the metropolitan region.
Finally – maybe. Let’s hope that this isn’t another study to study whether or not to have another study; getting this done is years overdue.