Penn Station, one of the busiest transportation hubs in the U.S., is undergoing a massive transformation from its easternmost edge at 7th Avenue with East End Gateway to its westernmost edge at 9th Avenue with Moynihan Train Hall.
Work on the new East End Gateway has been underway since September. When completed, customers will enjoy a new entrance pavilion that will dramatically improve customer flow and introduce natural light into the station environment. While work is underway, a protective construction shield has been installed above the LIRR Concourse so overhead work can be done safely while customers traverse the concourse; and columns have been wrapped with information signage and track numbers have been demarcated with new signs so customer information continues to be widely available.
On top of that, even more work is going on behind the scenes to prepare for major construction starting in early 2020. Outside on 33rd Street, utilities were relocated to clear the way for the new entrance. Later this month, the northern wall (where the Duane Reade used to be), will be pushed back 27 feet! This move will open up more pedestrian space as work moves out into the concourse area to build new escalators and stairs. Construction of a Public Information Center (PIC) is underway to provide information to LIRR customers and anyone interested in the project. When it’s done, stop by for a look at the history of the LIRR at Penn Station — and where we’re headed in the future!
This shield (above) allows work on the new entrance to be done safely overhead, while keeping the concourse open to the public. You may hear banging above you (kind of like a loud upstairs neighbor). It makes it possible for crews to work around the clock without interfering with pedestrian progress up and down the corridor.
As of Monday, December 2, tracks have been designated with new signs. Barrier walls at the project were wrapped with signage explaining the ongoing work and the benefits to LIRR passengers, including a new entrance at West 33rd Street and 7th Avenue, wider pedestrian areas, new lighting, more passenger information displays and, overall, a safer and more secure Penn Station.
Making track locations clear to LIRR customers.
The new East End Gateway will change the landscape of 7th Avenue and 33rd Street. Mechanical and structural work for the new East End Gateway entrance is underway – work on the platform level will support the escalator above on the Entry Hall level.
The overall Penn Station redevelopment master plan continues to move forward and will fully transform the LIRR Concourse into a modern, world-class transportation hub. For more information and construction photos, please visit the East End Gateway and LIRR Concourse project page on AModernLI.com.
