Amtrak Unveils $7 Billion Penn Station Redesign as Funding and Timeline Stay Unclear
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 29
Amtrak Unveils $7 Billion Penn Station Redesign as Funding and Timeline Stay Unclear
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 29
About $7 billion is the emerging price tag for Amtrak’s Penn Station overhaul, with early design plans calling for natural light, soaring ceilings and a larger concourse finished in stone and bronze.
Funding remains unresolved: after taking control from New York officials last year, Amtrak still expects New York, New Jersey and private companies to contribute, though the private-sector return has not been disclosed.
An 18-month countdown to construction has been floated by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, but Amtrak has released few details on how such a rapid transformation of the two-block Midtown station would be executed.
Manhattan elected officials, including Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, said Amtrak has been too opaque about the rebuilding process, with project chief Andy Byford telling them financing details were not yet ready to share.
With a $7 billion price tag, why are the financial deals behind Penn Station’s transformation being kept secret?
Can a grand redesign fix Penn Station's gridlock without full cooperation from all regional transit agencies?
Will the new Penn Station be a modern marvel or just a waiting room for tunnels opening a decade later?