Metro-North stations in the Bronx? New agreement puts plan closer to reality

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Empire State Development Corporation and Amtrak have signed an memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the Penn State Access project. The project aims to construct four new Metro-North Railroad stations in the east Bronx on an underutilized rail line with access to New York Penn Station. 

With the MOU, Empire State Development will work with the MTA to do the planning and expedition of the project, which is expected to help unleash a new generation of economic development for the Bronx. Amtrak and MTA will jointly study the feasibility of Amtrak running several trains daily from Long Island to New York Penn Station and continuing either north to Boston or south to Washington.

Acting MTA Chairman Fernando Ferrer said, "Bringing Metro-North service to the east Bronx is a game changer for the borough and we have all been eager to get started. This project will significantly reduce travel times for east Bronx residents and help area businesses and institutions attract employees. This is a long-held dream of mine and hundreds of thousands of Bronxites."

The new service will bring Metro-North trains over the Hell Gate Bridge into Queens, where they will merge with the Long Island Rail Road's route, proceeding through the East River Tunnels into Manhattan and west to Penn Station. In addition to the new stations, the project includes new tracks and switches, as well as power, signal, communication and infrastructure upgrades. The stations include Hunts Point, Parkchester/Van Nest, Morris Park and Co-op City.

The MTA's 2015-2019 Capital Program contains the initial investment of $695 million towards the project, including $250 million in State resources will be provided through Empire State Development. The MTA is seeking additional funding for the project in the 2020-2024 Capital Program to complete the project.

MTA Board's Metro-North Committee approved a $35-million contract with  HNTB New York Engineering and Architecture for preliminary engineering and design of the project. The contract was to be considered by the full MTA Board on Jan. 24 and will also need to be approved by Amtrak's Board. 

HNTB will advance the preliminary design, while developing project schedule and construction strategies. Work will also include analysis of options for train operations along the line, finalization of track alignments and community outreach work. In addition to the preliminary design services, the contract contains options for different construction methods.

The MTA expects to issue a "Notice to Proceed" to HNTB within weeks, at which point work on contract services will begin. A more specific schedule for the project will be developed as design work progresses.

U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), said, "[The] announcement marks an important step forward for the Penn Station Access Project, which will provide much-needed relief for my constituents and other Westchester commuters who depend on reliable, efficient transit – the cornerstone of our regional economy. I urge Amtrak to commit to this critical project, and I look forward to continuing to work with our local, state, and federal partners to move Penn Station Access ahead.”