The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Board of Commissioners has authorized construction contracts for the Dyer Avenue deck-overs, marking the first phase of the Midtown Bus Terminal replacement project. These deck-overs will facilitate bus staging during construction and will eventually be transformed into 3.5 acres of public green space.
The Board approved $271 million in contracts for the deck-overs, pending an environmental review by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision are expected later this summer. MLJ Contracting of Great Neck, N.Y., will handle construction, while AECOM Tishman will manage construction.
The project involves constructing two decks over below-grade sections of Dyer Avenue and the Lincoln Tunnel Expressway between West 37th and West 39th streets. Construction is slated to begin in late 2024 or early 2025.
“Today’s vote by the Port Authority’s Board of Commissioners to authorize the first construction contracts for early works related to a new Midtown Bus Terminal is an emphatic step forward to replace an aging eyesore with a new, state-of-the-art transportation facility fit for our region,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “We are replacing what’s been a commuters’ nightmare for decades with what will be a beautiful, efficient new bus terminal that will be the world-class gateway our region deserves.”
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton added, “After years of planning, dozens of community meetings and a lengthy federal environmental review, we look forward to beginning the early works on a project many had thought would never happen: a new, best-in-class Midtown Bus Terminal.”
In addition to federal review, the project is undergoing New York City’s land use review process. The new terminal aims to replace the existing 73-year-old facility with a modern structure designed to meet projected commuter growth through 2040-2050.
The $10 billion facility includes a 2.1 million square-foot main terminal, separate storage and staging buildings, and new ramps connecting directly to the Lincoln Tunnel. Plans also propose closing part of 41st Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues permanently.
Community feedback has shaped plans that include increased capacity for curbside inter-city buses currently operating on city streets around the terminal. The end goal is creating green spaces atop deck-overs on Dyer Avenue property owned by Port Authority.
Additional amenities include street-accessible retail options from within and outside the terminal, improved facades featuring an iconic atrium entrance at 41st Street and Eighth Avenue, net-zero emissions design supporting all-electric bus fleets, advanced traffic management systems using sensor-based monitoring technology for efficient bus movement, LEED certification standards for sustainability measures like onsite renewable energy sources.
Phased construction begins with building temporary terminals by 2028 followed by completing main terminals by 2032 without taking private properties; instead utilizing existing Port Authority lands extending westwards up until Eleventh avenue boundaries,
Opened initially back in1950 consolidating eight smaller midtown Manhattan bus terminals easing street congestion expanded further1963 converting previous parking spaces fourth level operations adding three additional levels accommodating1000 cars then further enhanced1966 meeting growing regional demands exclusive lanes1970 faster direct access lincoln tunnel saved commuters20 minutes more expansion1981 familiar diagonal girder facade north wing extension42nd street spanning total1 .9million square feet pre-COVID era accommodating260000 passenger trips daily now serving approximately100000 weekday passengers
For detailed information regarding replacement projects including FTA draft environmental impact statements visit http://www.PABTreplacement.com
# # #
