New York reaches labor agreement for new Rochester intermodal station

The state of New York has helped reach a project labor agreement for construction of the new intermodal station in Rochester, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced.

The agreement will save $653,000 from the projected $6.1 million in labor costs and streamline the project's schedule, according to a press release issued by Cuomo's office.

The labor agreement was negotiated by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), city of Rochester, Rochester Building and Construction Trades Council and local unions.

"I commend all those involved in reaching this agreement to ensure that this major project is on track to break ground this winter," Cuomo said.

The project's $30 million cost includes all phases, and track and signal work to be performed by CSX Transportation. The savings are expected to be achieved through standardized start and stop times for shifts across all trades, and by allowing flexible scheduling to avoid interference with railroad operations, state officials said. The project will require coordination with Amtrak and CSX to maintain their operations during construction.

The current station will be demolished and a new 12,000-square-foot station will be built at the same location. A temporary station will be erected in the interim. The new station will include a high-level island passenger platform, an underground concourse for pedestrian and baggages areas, and two dedicated passenger sidings.

Project funding includes a $15 million federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant, $7.5 million from the state and $500,000 from Rochester.