The United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) and Amtrak have confirmed that the transformation of New York Penn Station will move into the construction phase by the end of 2027.
As part of the announcement, US DOT confirmed that Amtrak will receive a federal grant of nearly 43 million USD. The funding is intended to support initial project development, including permitting, preliminary engineering, and the process of appointing a master developer.
The master developer will play a central role in delivering the project through a public–private partnership model. The formal solicitation process is due to begin by the end of October 2025, with a selection expected by May 2026.
Earlier this year, Secretary Duffy announced that US DOT and Amtrak would assume direct control of the Penn Station redevelopment from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). At the same time, US DOT withdrew 72 million USD in grant funding that had previously been committed under MTA oversight.
In May 2025, Andy Byford, former head of Transport for London and New York City Transit, was appointed Special Advisor to the Amtrak Board of Directors to oversee the Penn Station transformation.
Special Advisor to the Amtrak Board Andy Byford said:The transformation of New York Penn Station is underway, and USDOT and Amtrak are strongly committed to beginning construction by the end of 2027. We’re grateful to Secretary Duffy and the entire Department of Transportation, as well as President Trump and his administration, for bringing urgency and clarity to the Station’s Transformation and their confidence in allowing Amtrak to carry out their vision for a world-class, safe, and modern station.
Timeline
August 2025 – USDOT and Amtrak confirm construction will begin by the end of 2027.
October 2025 – Formal process to solicit a master developer begins.
May 2026 – Selection of a master developer expected.
End of 2027 – Target start of construction.
The forthcoming period will focus on securing the master developer and completing early-stage technical work. Once these processes are concluded, full-scale construction is planned to begin before the close of 2027.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said:Crumbling infrastructure, bleak and dirty architecture, unnavigable hallways, and no inviting spaces for families with kids – the current state of Penn Station is unacceptable. Under President Trump’s direction, we will transform Penn Station into a world-class transit hub that is beautiful, safe, and clean. The aggressive schedule we’ve outlined will ensure we are back on track to deliver a gleaming monument worthy of New York City.
