Amtrak to continue Infrastructure Renewal program at New York Penn Station this summer

Amtrak

Amtrak is set to continue its Infrastructure Renewal program at New York Penn Station this summer, performing state of good repair work on JO railroad interlocking which directs Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road and NJ Transit trains heading east and west from the East River Tunnels.

“Amtrak has made record levels of capital investment to improve the reliability of our infrastructure and overall customer experience, and we continue to do so in New York Penn Station for all the users of this important station,” said Amtrak President & CEO Richard Anderson. “We appreciate the continued support and confidence from our commuter partners and patience from our customers as we continue to deliver this important work safely, on time and within budget, improving the commutes for the many users of Penn Station.”

Officials estimate that the total cost of the projects will be $30 million. The planned work is anticipated to keep the infrastructure in a state of good repair and provide passengers at Penn Station with an upgraded, state-of-the art railroad and more reliable service.

The work on JO Interlocking will occur between June 28 and Sept. 2, including the renewal of critical infrastructure such as switches and turnouts at North America’s busiest train station.

Amtrak schedule adjustments will include:

• Northeast Regional Train 110, operating from Washington, D.C. (WAS) to New York Penn Station (NYP), and 127 operating from NYP to WAS will be cancelled.
• Northbound Keystone Train 640 is terminating at Newark Penn Station (NWK).
• Southbound Keystone Train 643 is originating at NWK.
• Southbound Keystone Train 653 is departing NYP early.
• Cardinal Train 51 will depart NYP early on weekdays only.

“While Amtrak has maintained and repaired this aging infrastructure, some of which dates back to the 1970s, full replacement is now required,” Amtrak said in a statement.

Amtrak launched its Infrastructure Renewal at New York Penn Station during the summer of 2017, and continued it in early 2018 and during the Summer of 2018.

The Infrastructure Renewal program is one element of Amtrak’s broader plan to modernize stations, infrastructure and equipment on the Northeast Corridor.