The U.S. Department of Transportation has opened bidding for the long-delayed redevelopment of New York’s Pennsylvania Station, the busiest transportation hub in North America. The plan envisions removing one of the concourse levels to allow natural light and improve passenger circulation. The fate of Madison Square Garden, which sits above the station, remains undecided.
Amtrak, which owns the station and the rail corridor between Washington, D.C., and Boston, is managing the project. The agency called for proposals to transform the underground complex into a modern, light-filled gateway while maintaining train operations. Amtrak appointed AKRF as environmental consultant, KPMG as financial adviser, and Hunton Andrews Kurth as legal adviser. Officials said design proposals should prioritize fiscal responsibility and minimize disruption to daily commuters.
New York State previously committed $1.3 billion to a $7 billion plan but withdrew after the federal government assumed control in April. The Trump administration now oversees the project’s delivery schedule and funding strategy.
More than 600,000 passengers use Penn Station daily—triple its original design capacity. Federal officials expect to select a proposal by mid-2026 and begin construction before the end of 2027.