The $10 billion Midtown Bus Terminal project took a major step forward this week.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced Dec. 4 the project to replace the existing, 74-year-old terminal received final and complete approval from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and New York City to proceed.

As NJBIZ has reported, the project features a new, 2.1 million-square-foot main terminal, a separate storage and staging building, and new ramps leading directly into and out of the Lincoln Tunnel. The Port Authority says the state-of-the-art facility is designed to meet the region’s projected commuter growth and needs – serving the hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans who commute to New York City.

The project will employ a phased construction approach to replace the obsolete terminal. The plan will collect input from bus carriers, customers, the local community, engineering and construction experts, and architectural and design firms.

With all approvals and permits now secured, officials say construction will start early next year on the deck-overs over Dyer Avenue. Completion of the temporary terminal and new ramps is expected in 2028, and for the new main terminal in 2032.

Connectivity

“The record of decision and conclusion of the ULURP [Uniform Land Use Review Procedure] process represent the culmination of years of hard work and collaboration with the surrounding community and input from commuters to develop a project that will transform the current, outdated bus terminal into a state-of-the-art transportation facility and community asset,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “The new bus terminal will be an inspiring gateway to New York City that commuters will actually look forward to using and that will be an asset for our entire region.”

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton described it as a “red-letter day.”

“We have in hand all the needed permits to move forward with replacing the agency’s long-outdated bus terminal and enduring eyesore in the middle of Manhattan with the world-class transportation gateway this region has long deserved,” said Cotton, who thanked the slew of stakeholders for their efforts. “We are grateful to have all approvals needed to advance to the construction phase of this critical and transformative project.”

Gov. Phil Murphy said the new terminal will increase connectivity on both sides of the river.

Today, we are one step closer to a new world-class Port Authority Bus Terminal.

We are committed to delivering modern, safe, and reliable transit infrastructure that benefits commuters across our interconnected region. https://t.co/fr6F9TcSf7

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) December 5, 2024

“Since day one of my administration, we have prioritized the advancement of a new world-class Port Authority Bus Terminal and today, we are one step closer to realizing that goal,” said Murphy. “By replacing outdated infrastructure, we will deliver the modern, safe, and reliable transit infrastructure that New Jerseyans deserve.”

Before & after:

See some before and after looks at the Midtown Bus Terminal here.