U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy and the Amtrak Board of Directors announced the selection of the Penn Transformation Partners consortium as the lead private developer to lead the transformation of New York Penn Station.
The consortium, formed by Halmar and Skanska, will build a completely new station that will offer commuters and tourists a smoother, faster, and more accessible travel experience.
“We took over the transformation of New York Penn Station because the project was behind schedule, over budget, and poorly managed. A year later, we continue to hit major milestones at a record pace,” said Sean P. Duffy. He noted that the selection of the consortium and its innovative plan represents a new step toward creating a world-class transportation hub that commuters and travelers have been waiting for for decades.
During the competitive procurement process and evaluation of bidders, the following were analyzed:
- the ability to deliver the best value proposition for the station’s modernization;
- the identification of new revenue streams for Amtrak;
- increased capacity and access in passenger circulation areas;
- improved safety and operational efficiency;
- accommodation of growing passenger traffic;
- delivering a world-class experience for users.
What the New York Penn Station Transformation Will Include
The New York Penn Station transformation project will include the construction of a monumental entrance on Eighth Avenue leading to a new rail concourse, the replacement of narrow, dilapidated passageways with open, modern concourses, and the expansion of track capacity, including the introduction of limited through service on the regional rail network. The project also aims to develop new retail spaces, modernize the station’s existing underground structure, and provide better wayfinding systems and other passenger improvements, while preserving the iconic Madison Square Garden, which will receive a new exterior cladding with a classic look.
Recently, a consortium consisting of Aecom and LiRo-Hill was selected to provide project management services.
An additional USD 200 million for the project
The Department of Transportation has announced an additional USD 200 million in funding for the New York Penn Station transformation project through the Partnership-Northeast Corridor program.
The investment will “support essential design and permitting work for the New York Penn transformation. The new station will become an architectural landmark that will stimulate further development in the nation’s financial capital and allow for the handling of a greater number of passengers during peak periods,” said FRA Administrator David Fink.
With additional funding from Amtrak and NJ Transit (New Jersey’s public transit system), the project now has the resources needed to begin construction before the end of 2027.
The next steps include finalizing contract negotiations, obtaining permits, completing the service optimization study coordinated by the FRA, advancing the design, and securing financial and commercial closure before construction begins.
The new architectural vision for the station draws inspiration from the historic Penn Station building, which was demolished in the past, while integrating with existing structures, particularly Madison Square Garden and Moynihan Train Hall.
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