Staten Island Railway opens first station in 20 years

Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
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MTA

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) opened its new Staten Island Railway (SIR) Arthur Kill station Jan. 21, marking its first addition to the line in two decades.  

 

The latest addition is the MTA’s first new SIR station since the private rail line became incorporated into MTA’s network in 1971, representatives say. 

“The new Arthur Kill station offers more transportation options to Staten Island residents by giving motorists the choice to leave the driving to us and take Staten Island Railway,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas F. Prendergast. “This station reinforces the Governor’s commitment to all parts of our transportation network. We know our customers here want more choices, and we are working hard to improve their options.”

The Arthur Kill Station, as well as its new parking lot, is located on Arthur Kill Road between Barnard Avenue and Lion Street. The new station replaces the Nassau and Atlantic SIR stations, which are scheduled for demolition.

The MTA 2015–2019 Capital Program includes $386 million for SIR investments and improvements, with planned enhancements such as upgrading the car fleet and three new power substations to increase supply to the line, enabling improved service flexibility and reliability. Capital investments also include installing countdown clocks at all SIR stations, track replacement work, radio system enhancements and station repairs. 

“This new station has been a long time coming, but it is well worth the wait,” NYC Transit President Ronnie Hakim said. “The new station allows us to move Staten Island transportation another step into the future along with other major projects like the rehabilitation of the St. George Terminal, the recent reopening of the improved Grasmere station, new rail cars and bringing real-time train arrival information to all stations.” 

SIR counts more than 16,000 average weekday customers, with the line covering 29 miles of track from the southern shore in Tottenville to the northern terminus at St. George that connects to the Staten Island Ferry.

The Arthur Kill Station features amenities in addition to the new parking lot, such as surveillance cameras, customer assistance intercoms and bicycle racks. New LED fixtures have also been installed to offer brighter and environmentally friendly lighting, officials say. 

The 2010–2014 MTA Capital Program also provided funding for the $27.4 million project, and representatives say the station was designed with lessons in mind following Superstorm Sandy to improve the station’s storm resistance.

Work such as raising and improving tracks, storm-proofing storage facilities and electrical distribution and communications systems, and installing a heavy-duty drain system with underground detention tanks and perforated drain pipes for controlling water runoff and limiting soil displacement is expected to protect the station from harsh conditions in the future.

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