We’ve been keeping you posted on all of Penn Station’s upcoming renovations, but we’re excited to report that the Long Island Railroad Concourse is ready and open to all commuters!
Today, Skanska, a leading global construction and development firm, has announced the completion of the $414 million renovation of Penn Station’s LIRR Concourse.
Construction began in January 2021, and the team completed it in March 2023.
Enhancing the commuting experience for the 600,000 passengers that utilize the LIRR’s 33rd Street corridor daily, the 27-month design-build project encompassed both the design and construction of the reimagined concourse, with a widened corridor, raised ceiling heights, upgraded lighting and wayfinding, new digital information screens, improved mechanical and electrical systems, and new architectural finishes, among other station enhancements.
“In order to best accommodate and enhance the commuting experience for the 600,000 passengers that utilize LIRR’s 33rd Street corridor daily, deciphering a path to improving the station’s circulation and traffic flow without disrupting daily train service was paramount,” said Michael Viggiano, executive vice president of Skanska’s East Coast civil operations. “We’re thrilled to be celebrating the completion of this project and to have played a crucial role in reconstructing one of New York City’s most highly trafficked transit hubs.”
The renovation also improves safety and ADA access from the street to the concourse via a new elevator on 33rd Street and from the concourse to the platforms with rebuilt stairs and handrails, new enclosures for fire protection, and a replacement elevator.
“We worked closely with the design-build team to create a new center of gravity for Penn Station and the LIRR,” said SOM Partner Colin Koop. “The concourse design introduces a clear connection to Seventh Avenue and simplifies the flow of foot traffic between the street, the subways, and the LIRR—helping travelers easily navigate the station, all in an expansive space filled with light.”
We’re excited about these improvements and will keep you posted on most of Penn Station’s modern makeover. We are already huge fans of the High Line’s $50 million extension to Penn Station, so seeing the other improvements that’ll come to this area is exciting!