The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced Sept. 27 signing a final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for the $10 billion Midtown Bus Terminal replacement project.

Officials note that the work is also proceeding through New York City’s land use review process. According to stakeholders, the FEIS marks a major step toward a federal record of decision on the project in the near future.

The Port Authority says the $10 billion project will replace the existing, obsolete, 74-year-old terminal with a world-class facility that can meet projected commuter growth — offering a best-in-class experience while enhancing the surrounding community. The FEIS follows a round of public hearings that resulted in more than 700 public comments from a slew of different stakeholders and constituents.

The full FEIS is available here.

Key features of the project include:

• A 2.1 million-square-foot main terminal;
• A separate storage and staging building as well as new ramps leading directly into and out of the Lincoln Tunnel;
• The permanent closure of a portion of 41st Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues;
• A central main entrance;
• More street-level retail;
• A multistory indoor atrium;
• Public open space;
• New technology, such as a world-class traffic management system;
• And much more.

Building connections

Construction is expected in phases, with a temporary terminal and new ramps completed in 2028 and then the new main terminal in 2032.

Before & after:

Click here to see some before and after looks at the Midtown Bus Terminal.

“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,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole in a press release. “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 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,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “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.”