Skanska, AECOM, and SOM have announced the completion of Penn Station’s $414 million Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) concourse renovation. The project, which began in January 2021, set out to modernize and widen LIRR’s 33rd Street train hall corridor, all while maintaining the station’s daily operations and train service.

"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 executive vice president of Skanska’s East Coast civil operations, Michael Viggiano. “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 design-build project included the design and construction of the 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. 

The endeavor also aimed to improve safety and ADA access from the street to the concourse through a new elevator on 33rd Street. Access from the concourse to the platforms were improved via rebuilt stairs and handrails. New enclosures for fire protection and a replacement elevator were added, as well.

Skanska served as the project’s design builder, while AECOM contributed as the designer of record, providing design, engineering, vertical transportation, and project management services. SOM worked as the lead architect. 

“The most heavily used concourse of America’s busiest train station has been entirely transformed, both visually and functionally. The improvements make commuting more convenient, while also allowing this transit hub to have the capacity and accessibility to meet New York’s growing transportation needs,” said AECOM’s New York Metro executive, Thomas Prendergast. “We’re proud to have worked with the MTA and our partners to broaden and revitalize the concourse while also minimizing impacts to LIRR commuters and the station’s operations.”

“We worked closely with the design-build team to create a new center of gravity for Penn Station and the LIRR,” added 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.”