MTA Board Approves Contract For Penn Station Access Project

Penn Station Access Project

Photos: MTA\Business Council of Westchester

On Wednesday, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) approved a $1.8 billion design-build contract for Halmar International to construct the $2.87 billion Penn Station Access project, which will connect the Metro-North New Haven Line with Penn Station via Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. Set to be completed in 2027, Penn Access will include four new Metro-North stations in the Bronx.

In response, Renae Reynolds, Executive Director of Tri-State Transportation Campaign, released the following statement:

“Penn Access is an important step forward in unifying the region’s rail network, and for expanding access to jobs, housing, and other critical services, for thousands of East Bronx residents who currently lack adequate transportation options.

“This project will add greatly needed redundancy to the regional transportation network in case of service disruption on the Park Avenue Viaduct, which currently connects all Metro-North service with Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. Penn Access will also increase regional connectivity with transfers to Amtrak, the Long Island Rail Road, and New Jersey Transit at Penn Station.

“We commend the MTA for advancing Penn Access at this time, especially as New York City faces two major crises: climate change and social inequity. Once the project is completed, the potential for through-running commuter rail service between New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut will become a greater possibility, linking business centers outside Manhattan and providing more rail access to Newark Liberty Airport.

“With a seamless, unified transportation network, the region will have a fighting chance of making rail the preferred commuting option, which will reduce traffic congestion, stimulate equitable transit-oriented development, and greatly increase the supply of transit-accessible affordable housing.” Tri-State is a 501(c)(3) non-profit policy and advocacy organization fighting for sustainable mobility in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Learn more.

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