Deck-Overs Create 3.5 Acres of Green Space in New City Bus Terminal

Published on July 26, 2024

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Board of Commissioners has authorized construction contracts for the Dyer Avenue deck-overs, marking a significant milestone in the Midtown Bus Terminal replacement project. These initial contracts are essential for the project’s progress, facilitating the staging of buses during construction and eventually being converted into 3.5 acres of publicly accessible green space once the new terminal is completed.

The Board’s decision includes contracts worth $271 million for constructing the Dyer Avenue deck-overs, contingent upon the completion of an environmental review by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The environmental review process is nearing its end, with a final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision expected later this summer.

MLJ Contracting of Great Neck, N.Y., has been selected to undertake the construction of the deck-overs, while AECOM Tishman will handle the construction management. The project involves building two decks over the below-grade sections of Dyer Avenue and the Lincoln Tunnel Expressway, spanning West 37th to West 39th streets. Construction is anticipated to commence in late 2024 or early 2025.

The transformation of these deck-overs into green space will significantly enhance the urban landscape, providing a much-needed recreational area for the community while supporting the logistics of the new bus terminal construction. This initiative underscores the Port Authority’s commitment to urban development and environmental sustainability, marking a major step forward in modernizing New York City’s transportation infrastructure.

“Today’s vote by the Port Authority’s Board of Commissioners to authorize the first construction contracts for early works related to a new Midtown Bus Terminal is an emphatic step forward to replace an aging eyesore with a new, state-of-the-art transportation facility fit for our region,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “We are replacing what’s been a commuters’ nightmare for decades with what will be a beautiful, efficient new bus terminal that will be the world-class gateway our region deserves.”

“After years of planning, dozens of community meetings and a lengthy federal environmental review, we look forward to beginning the early works on a project many had thought would never happen: a new, best-in-class Midtown Bus Terminal,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.  “Once complete, the new transit hub will take its place alongside our new airports as a beautiful, efficient and fitting gateway to our region that will benefit travelers and will become a valued community asset.”

In addition to the federal environmental review, the Midtown Bus Terminal replacement project is advancing through New York City’s land use review process.

The new Midtown Bus Terminal will replace the outdated, 73-year-old terminal with a state-of-the-art facility. Reliable and efficient bus service between New York and New Jersey is essential for the economies of both states, as many New Jersey residents work in New York City. The new terminal is designed to accommodate projected commuter growth through 2040-2050, providing a superior customer experience that meets the region’s modern public transportation needs and enhances the surrounding community.

This $10 billion facility will feature a 2.1 million square-foot main terminal, a separate storage and staging building, and new ramps directly connecting to the Lincoln Tunnel. The project includes the permanent closure of a portion of 41st Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, a central main entrance, increased street-level retail, a multi-story indoor atrium, and new public open space, all aimed at improving both commuter and community experiences at the world’s busiest bus terminal. The project is expected to create approximately 6,000 well-paying union construction jobs.

The Port Authority’s plan for the Midtown Bus Terminal replacement incorporates feedback from extensive community outreach, including input from New York City, commuters, local community boards, and elected officials in both states. The draft environmental impact statement allows for the construction of a comprehensive three-part building plan, which includes a new main terminal, a storage and staging facility with new ramps directly into the Lincoln Tunnel, and deck-overs that will be transformed into publicly accessible open space once the terminal is completed. The project offers numerous community benefits, such as:

• Increased capacity to relocate curbside inter-city buses from surrounding streets into the terminal.
• Creation of 3.5 acres of publicly accessible green spaces on Port Authority property by decking over the below-grade Dyer Avenue “cut” and building open space on the new deck-overs.
• New concessions and retail amenities accessible from both the community streets and inside the terminal.
• Improved and attractive facades, enhancing the visual appeal of the new bus terminal, including an iconic atrium entrance on 41st Street and Eighth Avenue.

The new bus terminal will be built for the future with a design aimed at net-zero emissions, accommodating all-electric bus fleets and incorporating 21st-century technology. Features include a world-class traffic management system with sensor-based monitoring for quicker, smoother bus movements and remote engine monitoring to reduce breakdowns in express bus lanes. Sustainability and resiliency measures will include LEED certification, clean construction, onsite renewable energy, zoned heating and cooling systems, and heat recovery and reuse technology. Community-friendly local retail will benefit both commuters and the local community.

The Port Authority’s construction plan for the new bus terminal is developed with input from carriers, customers, the local community, renowned engineering and construction experts, and innovative architectural and design firms. The phased construction approach begins with the staging and bus storage facility, which will serve as a temporary terminal while the existing terminal is demolished and rebuilt. The project eliminates the need for taking private property, utilizing existing Port Authority property extending as far west as 11th Avenue.

The project is expected to be completed in phases, with the temporary terminal and new ramps finished by 2028 and the new main terminal completed by 2032.