T
R A C K + PLATFORM
capacity improvements The layout of platforms and tracks of a train station
Among the 8 platforms, the three platforms in the
impacts the available capacity, the boarding
north zone are 1050 feet long. They will serve the
experience of passengers, and user safety in case of
12-car commuter trains of Long Island Rail Road.
emergency. The existing platforms at Penn Station
The two platforms in the middle are the longest
have an average width of 20 feet and some parts of
platforms with 1350 feet, which could be used for
the platforms are as narrow as 14 feet. The narrow
high-speed rail service. The other 2 platforms are
width of platforms has caused serious problems in
1200 feet; they are planned for Amtrak intercity
terms of passenger circulation and loading time.
service. The southernmost platform in Penn Station maybe used for Empire Service.
The envisioned track and platform plan resolves issues related to safety and security of passengers
The first option is an ideal scenario where all platforms
and adds much needed capacity to Penn Station.
are widened to 30’ and phased in such a manner
The platforms are widened to 30’ and new egresses
that the station can remain operational throughout.
with escalators and elevators are introduced to
The second option maintains the existing platforms
address challenges of safety and security. Four new
9, 10, and 11 as they are. These are mostly used by
platforms and eight new tracks - for a total of 8
Long Island Rail Road, utilizing the East Side tunnel
platforms and 16 tracks - are added under Block 780
under 33rd Street. However, all platforms south of
as part of the Gateway project.
platform 9 are widened to 30’.
The station operates mostly in three zones related
Option 2 has the potential to be upgraded later, with
to train services as well as tracks and platforms that
platforms 9, 10, and 11 widened to conform with
are served by East Side tunnels under 32nd and 33rd
contemporary standards. Hence, Option 2 can be
Streets. Two options are designed as part of the new
viewed as a final build-out, with Option 1 acting as
track and platform plan.
a phasing stage.
Plan for the existing track and platform level.
EXISTING
Opposite Page: includes plans for the two proposed strategies for redesigning the transportation infrastructure of Penn Station.
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Reimagining Penn Station