New York State DOT plots new Amtrak station in Schenectady

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) late last week announced plans to build a new Amtrak station in Schenectady, N.Y., to connect travelers to New York City, Niagara Falls and other destinations.

Construction is expected to begin this spring as crews place a new second track between Albany and Schenectady, NYSDOT officials said in a news release.

The double track is aimed at minimizing delays between the two cities and enhancing service all along Amtrak's Empire Corridor.

Station construction is expected to wrap up in early 2018, NYSDOT officials said.

"A new train station in downtown Schenectady will help further the city’s resurgence and support local revitalization efforts," said NYSDOT Commissioner Matthew Driscoll.

NYSDOT also issued a pre-bid notice containing contract details for prospective project contractors. Bidding details, including project plans and specifications, will be available in December.

Bid proposals are due in January.

The design of the new Schenectady Station is inspired by the aesthetics and architecture of the city's former Union Station, which was built on the same site in 1910, NYSDOT officials said. Amtrak will own the new station, which will be slightly larger than the current one.

Additionally, the new station will feature improved accessibility for people with disabilities, a new platform and rehabilitated concourse access, a new elevator, and improved pedestrian and bicycle access.

New York State has competed for and won several grants from the Federal Railroad Administration to make improvements to the Empire Corridor, including the construction of the new Schenectady station.