PANYNJ issues $1.2B contract to Tutor Perini/O&G for AirTrain Newark design-build

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has awarded joint-venture firm Tutor Perini/O&G a $1.184 billion contract for the design and build of a replacement for the AirTrain Newark on-airport mass transit system.

Tutor Perini/O&G will design and construct 2.5 miles of elevated rail structure, known as the guideway, and three new stations. The existing AirTrain system opened in 1996 and is unable to accommodate growing demand. The new AirTrain system is being developed in conjunction with the ongoing redevelopment of the Newark Liberty International Airport.

“As we embark on the Newark vision plan, a new AirTrain is essential to both meeting increasing volumes at our airports and delivering a world-class passenger experience for Newark Liberty passengers,” said PANYNJ Executive Director Rich Cotton in a press release.

The design-build contract brings PANYNJ’s multiphase procurement process for the new AirTrain system to 80% complete, PANYNJ officials said. The procurement phases include separate contracts for the building, manufacturing, delivery and installation of the system technology; early works; the guideway and stations; a maintenance and control facility, pedestrian connections between stations and airport facilities; and demolition of the existing AirTrain infrastructure.

Construction on the AirTrain Newark system will begin in 2025, with service expected to begin in 2030. The total project's total budget is $3.5 billion.