New York DOT makes way for new Amtrak station in Rochester

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) earlier this month began demolition of an Amtrak station in Rochester to make way for a new one.

Crews started tearing down the old station following the completion of a temporary building to house Amtrak services, NYSDOT officials said in a press release.

Construction of the new $29.8 million station is expected to take 18 months.

Expected to open in the summer of 2017, the new station will feature retail space and more comfortable waiting and ticketing areas, NYSDOT officials said.

"After four decades of relying on an outdated and inadequate rail station, we’re finally knocking down the old to make way for the new, and there’s no one who’s more excited than I am," said U.S. Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.).

When finished, the new station will have a two-sided, high-level passenger platform that will be accessed through a concourse from the station. Additionally, station parking and bicycle and pedestrian access will be improved.

CSX Transportation previously realigned and put into service a dedicated rail line for freight traffic separate from the two main track lines that will be shared by both CSX and Amtrak. Additionally, three railroad bridges near the station were strengthened to carry the two additional passenger tracks being constructed to provide Amtrak train access to the new station, NYSDOT officials said.

Funding for the project includes a $15 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER IV) grant.

NYSDOT and the Federal Railroad Administration supplied $3.5 million in funding for the preliminary engineering phase of the project, including $2.8 million secured through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The city of Rochester is contributing $500,000 toward final design and construction.