Amtrak completes latest round of NY Penn Station renewal work

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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Amtrak

Amtrak has completed its second summer of intense renewal work at New York Penn Station. Five intercity trains that have been operating at alternative stations since late May have returned to New York Penn Station.

“We are proud to announce that we’ve completed this renewal project on schedule and within budget,” said Scot Naparstek, Amtrak executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Amtrak’s Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Adirondack and Maple Leaf trains have been operating in and out of New York Grand Central Terminal since May 26 to allow for the renewal work to take place. These trains, which run between Northern New York and Canada, are now back at New York Penn Station. Amtrak also said the Lake Shore Limited, which provides service between New York City and Chicago has also returned to New York Penn Station.

This summer’s work focused on critical reconstruction of three major railroad infrastructure assets in New York City: The Empire Connection, Spuyten Duyvil Bridge and Track 19 at New York Penn Station.

Work on the Empire Connection included the replacement of track in the Empire Tunnel, as well as the replacement of crossties, grade crossings and 8,000 feet of continuous rail.

The Spuyten Duyvil Bridge received updated mechanical and electrical equipment, which Amtrak says had been corroded by the effects of Hurricane Sandy.

Three turnouts were replaced along Track 19, which also saw a total ballasted track and wood crosstie replacement.

Amtrak says the work keeps its infrastructure in a state of good repair and estimates the projects cost between $45 and $50 million to complete. The work is part of a more than $100-million overhaul Amtrak began last summer to renew its infrastructure at New York Penn Station. The railroad said the renewal effort is one element in its plan to modernize stations, infrastructure and equipment on the Northeast Corridor.

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