On Friday, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said it had cleared a major milestone in the Midtown Bus Terminal Replacement Project with the signing of the final Environmental Impact Statement by the Federal Transit Administration.
The two agencies said the signing of the FEIS is a major step toward a federal record of decision on the project. That decision is expected to be issues soon.
“Signing the final environmental impact statement brings us closer to finally 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,” Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “A magnificent new Midtown Bus Terminal will knit together New Jersey and New York to create an even stronger, more economically vital and easily accessible region.”
The Midtown Bus Terminal replacement project is also going through New York City’s land use review process. The terminal project will replace the existing facility with a new modernized facility connecting New York and New Jersey. The new terminal is designed to meet project growth through 2050 and provide a best-in class customer experience serving the region’s 21st century public transportation needs.
The $10 billion facility will include a new 2.1 million square foot main terminal, storage and staging building and new ramps into and out of the Lincoln Tunnel. The project plan also includes the permanent closure of a portion of 41st Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues, a central main entrance, more street-level retail, and a multi-story indoor atrium and public space.
“The final environmental impact statement is a critical milestone in our plans to replace the worst infrastructure eyesore in the nation with a new best-in-class bus terminal befitting this region that will serve commuters for the foreseeable future and that will energize the vitality of the community neighboring the bus terminal,” Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said. “We thank the Federal Transit Administration for carrying out the environmental review so thoroughly, collaboratively and professionally. We look forward to a record of decision in the near future that will help unlock potential federal support for this critical infrastructure project.”