Railroads propose expanding busy transit hub to double capacity after studying various options.
Expanding Pennsylvania Station in New York City has been a topic of discussion for over a decade, with Amtrak and commuter railroads now announcing their decision to take some property in Midtown Manhattan to increase the station’s capacity. Despite opposition from community activists and transit advocates, officials from Amtrak, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New Jersey Transit, and other railroads have determined that expanding beyond the current boundaries of Penn Station is necessary.
The plan to expand the busiest transit hub in the country comes at a time when ridership on commuter railroads has decreased due to the pandemic. However, Amtrak and New Jersey Transit aim to double the number of trains crossing the Hudson River during peak hours. Construction is underway for the Gateway tunnel project, which will add two tracks to the existing two tracks that were built over a century ago.
The expansion project will require taking over a full block of Midtown Manhattan located south of Penn Station. This block is currently occupied by apartment buildings, restaurants, and a Roman Catholic church that has been in existence for over 150 years. Despite the challenges posed by the densely developed area, officials have determined that expanding Penn Station is the only viable solution to accommodate the increased train traffic.
The decision to expand Penn Station has been met with mixed reactions from the community and transit advocates. While some have raised concerns about the impact on existing properties and the historic church, others acknowledge the need for increased capacity to meet the growing demand for rail transportation in the region.
In conclusion, the expansion of Pennsylvania Station in New York City is a complex project that involves taking over property in Midtown Manhattan to accommodate more trains and passengers. While there are challenges and opposition to the plan, officials have determined that expanding the station is necessary to meet the region’s transportation needs.
Source: The NY Times
