MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) — Construction is underway on the $11 billion, 10-year overhaul of the Port Authority Bus Terminal, a project aimed at transforming what many consider a 75-year-old Midtown eyesore into a modern commuter hub comparable to major area airports.
The project is currently in its first phase, which focuses on reconfiguring the ramps that bring buses, primarily NJ Transit vehicles, from the Lincoln Tunnel into the terminal.
“In order to, construct the new ramps and the new staging and storage building, we have to reroute the buses, step by step and then deconstruct the ramps, section by section, surgically so that we can maintain operations throughout construction,” said Cate Britell, director of tunnels, bridges and terminals.
Officials say the work is intended to create a smoother and more efficient commute once completed. In the meantime, evening rush-hour inbound traffic has been affected. Some commuters report delays throughout the day, particularly on the New Jersey side of the river.
“It’s frustrating… it’s making it take a lot longer than usual,” commuter Michelle Hill said.
Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia said the agency is monitoring traffic impacts and looking for ways to reduce disruptions.
“We know that on any given day, commuters can be faced with the fact that there’s late-running construction or there’s another accident in the center, too. If there’s a car issue in the center, too, that still impacts the XBL, as well as any bus breakdown. So, we’re looking at it every day,” Garcia said.
Over the next five years, the area will be converted into an interim terminal that will remain in use while the existing terminal is remodeled.
A deck over Dyer Avenue will temporarily serve as bus storage space before ultimately being transformed into green space.
Despite the construction-related delays, some commuters said the long-term benefits justify the inconvenience.
“Anything that improves public transit and mass transit is something we all would want,” commuter Jürgen Heinrichs said.
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