US $414mn renovation of Pennsylvania Station’s LIRR Concourse complete
Skanska, AECOM and SOM had to deliver the project without disrupting passenger usage of the station
The renovation of Pennsylvania Station’s Long Island Railroad (LIRR) Concourse in New York City has been completed at a cost of US $414mn according to Skanska.
The 27-month design-build project resulted in the concourse featuring widened corridor, raised ceiling heights, upgraded lighting and wayfinding, improved mechanical and electrical systems, and new architectural finishes.
“In order to best accommodate and enhance the commuting experience for the 600,000 passengers that utilise LIRR’s 33rd Street corridor daily, deciphering a path to improving the station’s circulation and traffic flow without disrupting daily train service was paramount,” said Michael Viggiano, Executive Vice President of Skanska’s East Coast civil operations.
He added, “We’re thrilled to be celebrating the completion of this project and to have played a crucial role in reconstructing one of New York City’s most highly trafficked transit hubs.”
The project was initially awarded out in 2020 by Penn District Station Developer with the goal of modernising and widening LIRR’s 33rd Street train hall corridor. Skanska, AECOM and SOM had to work out how to renovate the hall without disrupting passenger usage of the station each day.
Construction on the project began in January of 2021 and the team achieved substantial completion in March 2023.
“The most heavily used concourse of America’s busiest train station has been entirely transformed, both visually and functionally. The improvements make commuting more convenient, while also allowing this transit hub to have the capacity and accessibility to meet New York’s growing transportation needs. We’re proud to have worked with the MTA and our partners to broaden and revitalize the concourse while also minimizing impacts to LIRR commuters and the station’s operations,” concluded Thomas Prendergast, AECOM’s New York Metro Executive.
