Construction on the Port Authority’s Midtown Bus Terminal finally began on Thursday.
Shovels hit the dirt as crews broke ground on the Dyer Avenue deck-overs at the West Side site, marking the first stage of construction for the much-anticipated bus hub. As announced on Dec. 4 last year, the deck-overs above Dyer Avenue will serve as a staging site for buses during the heavy work period.
But the temporary structures will offer more than practical uses. They will be turned into nearly 4 acres of publicly accessible green space once the remodeled terminal is complete.
“Here in New York, we are showing the world what is possible when government and the local community commit to making the vision of modern infrastructure a reality,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “A new Midtown Bus Terminal will deliver an enhanced experience for millions of riders, breathe new life into the surrounding neighborhood, and ensure that this gateway to the city is one New Yorkers can be proud of for generations to come.”
Commonly known as the Port Authority Bus Terminal, the Midtown Bus Terminal project received federal approval to proceed with a major overhaul of site last year. With Thursday’s groundbreaking, the obsolete, dreary infrastructure of the 75-year-old depot will be turned into what officials call a “world-class” bus terminal.
“Upon completion, the new state-of-the-art Midtown Bus Terminal will serve hundreds of thousands of commuters each day as they head to work, school, medical appointments or return home,” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said. “This project is another major step toward modernizing our transportation infrastructure, improving the commuter experience, and reducing bus congestion.”
When complete, the overhaul will feature a new main terminal, a separate storage and staging building and new ramps leading directly into and out of the Lincoln Tunnel connection to New Jersey.
The plan also includes permanently closing a portion of 41st Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues, a central main entrance, more street-facing retail, a multi-story indoor atrium, and new public open space.
The deck-overs are part of the first phase of the $10 billion plan for the hub. Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) capital is also funding the makeover, as future phases will also use revenue from future commercial development rights, including NYC PILOT contributions.
“It is incredibly satisfying to break ground on the first stage of construction of a new Midtown Bus Terminal that will improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of daily commuters between New Jersey and New York, and greatly improve the community hosting it,” PANYNJ chairman Kevin O’Toole said.
Officials said the temporary terminal and new ramps are expected to be completed in 2028, and the new main terminal will be completed in 2032.
